WEARING number eight for Saints comes with a certain level of pedigree and responsibility, even if there has not been a 100 per cent record.

Its historical custodians include Martin Chivers, Mick Channon and Glenn Cockerill, while the last two to wear it are James Ward-Prowse and Steven Davis.

Eight was left vacant last season following the departure of club captain Ward-Prowse, who came through the academy to make 410 appearances for Saints.

However, it appears a new local boy is going to be donning the shirt while he single-handedly represents a famous academy in the big time.

Basingstoke-born Will Smallbone is the perfect fit, and not only because, just like fellow Staplewood graduate Ward-Prowse, he previously wore 16.

"Prowsey is someone that I looked up to as well coming through the academy," the Republic of Ireland international said.

Will Smallbone has appeared in both friendlies this monthWill Smallbone has appeared in both friendlies this month (Image: Stuart Martin)

"Both he and Adam Lallana are big talking points in the academy as you're coming through. They're the shining lights of what you can aspire to get to.

"Hopefully I can keep going myself to try and get there. To go from wearing 16 to eight, obviously, as a midfielder, it's probably my favourite number.

"It's been a number I've played through the academy since I can remember. Hopefully, to get it and to play in the Premier League with it will mean a lot to me.

"Hopefully, I can kick on and, you know, make a name for myself in that shirt." 

Southampton's shirt numbers are not yet finalised and changes can occur up until the club submit their official squad numbers list to the Premier League.

Smallbone should be the club's eight, however, for everything he represents. An academy boy who has worked his way to opportunity.

A 24 year old man who has already battled beyond terrible injury and confidence-knocking illness to become key for his boyhood side.

A midfielder who will play wherever he is asked, and whose 11 combined goals and assists last season helped steer the club off a potentially dark path. 

"I'm more than happy to run in behind. If I get it, I get it," Smallbone added. "If I don't, I don't.

Will Smallbone has nine caps for Republic of IrelandWill Smallbone has nine caps for Republic of Ireland (Image: PA)

"I think it's a big part of my game is getting into the box, attacking the box. I need to practice if I'm going to push on in the Premier League.

"I'm really excited for it. I had a small taste of it before when I was here. I was very much a bit-part player coming on in games.

"I did my knee last time I was in the Premier League, I feel like this is another big season for me this year, as was last year, to prove to myself and prove to everyone.

"As a team, we want to prove to everyone that, you know, we do belong to be in the Premier League and we can stay in the Premier League."

Smallbone is still building up to full capabilities having had an extra week off due to his involvement in June internationals. 

He now has the chance to learn first-hand from one of his boyhood Premier League heroes Adam Lallana, who has re-signed for the club at 36 years old.

Lallana has been impressed by much of the core group on and off the training pitch, including Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Smallbone said: "I don't want to blow too much smoke up him, but he's someone that I've looked up to a lot coming through the academy.

"He was playing in the first team when I was, like, nine, 10, 11, watching him play. And the three of us you've mentioned are probably my best mates in the squad.

"I think we've really grown close over the last year and long may it continue. They are great mates but great players as well. I think they bring a lot.

"It's so good to get them both back permanently, they both love it here and want to be here. Hopefully, we can all have a good season together."