SAINTS legend Franny Benali is backing Matt Targett to take his chance if he is recalled for this weekend’s big game against his former Fulham teammates.

Targett excelled in a five-month loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.

He played 21 matches, including the play-off final win against Aston Villa, as Fulham won promotion after finishing third in the Championship behind Wolves and Cardiff.

Now the 23 year-old is expected to make his second Premier League start since his Fulham spell as a replacement for the suspended Ryan Bertrand, who picked up his fifth booking in the 1-1 draw against Watford 12 days ago.

Fulham may have changed their manager, after a busy summer in the transfer market, but the left-back would be up against several players he knows well

Former Saints left-back Benali is backing Targett to thrive if he gets the chance in the absence of the club captain.

“This is where the depth of the squad comes in,” he said. “After breaking into the team a few years ago Matty has been fighting for a regular position.

“He needs to be playing games so going out on loan would have been good for him last year.

“If Mark Hughes decides to give him an opportunity and he puts in a good performance, and hopefully helps us pick up three points, he can give the manager a difficult decision.”

Matt Targett (third from right) celebrates promotion with Fulham at Wembley last season

Southampton-born Targett has only started three matches this season; the EFL wins at Brighton and Everton and the 3-0 Premier League defeat at Liverpool. His only other appearance for the first team this season was in Saints’ only Premier League win, as a substitute at Crystal Palace in September.

“This is the sort of opportunity he would have been waiting for,” said Benali. “Naturally, he’s probably been frustrated not to be playing and he’ll relish the chance to go back to Fulham.

“It’s funny how these scenarios get thrown up. Fulham have made a lot of changes but he’ll know a lot about the club and the players.

"He’ll want to go there first and foremost to put in performance for him and Southampton. Fulham know what he’s capable of but assuming he slots in it’s an opportunity he’ll relish and one he has to grab with both hands.”

Targett was ineligible when Saints won 1-0 at Fulham in the FA Cup third round last January. That was Saints' first win in ten games and the start of a six-match unbeaten run.

Benali is hoping for a repeat as much as any Saints fan.

“It’s been a frustrating and disappointing season so far,” he said.

“There have been two huge games we should have won, at home to Newcastle and Watford, and we haven’t done so.”

Two weeks after Les Reed’s departure, victory on the banks of the Thames would be a much-needed boost ahead of next week’s visit from Manchester United.

“The management has made its decision and they’re obviously looking at it,” continued Benali.

“Things have got to change, ultimately for Mark Hughes as well. He’s no fool and will know that’s the case. It makes Fulham an even bigger game now.

“With each bad result that goes by the pressure is more on everybody involved, not just Hughes but the players as well to get that win.

“It’s going to be tough at Fulham, given Claudio Ranieri’s appointment.

“Traditionally clubs have a bit of an upturn when a new manager comes in.

"They get an increased performance and effort levels from players so that’s going to make the game tougher.

“But that’s not to say it’s a game we can’t win and that has to be our mindset.”