Vir-ging on peace

MAURICIO PELLEGRINO says he has kissed and made up with his wantaway Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk this week returned to training with the first-team squad after being banished by Saints boss Pellegrino over his attempts to force a move to Liverpool.

Pellegrino said: “The conversation with Virgil is private but he is training with the team and training at the same level.

“Everything is normal now and that is good news for us.

“The past does not matter. That is the best thing about football.”

Pellegrino has challenged Van Dijk to prove his heart is with Southampton, saying: “He has to show his commitment on the pitch because I cannot show my commitment by talking.

“I have to show it by working every single day, on the pitch and off the pitch. Every game you have to maintain your performance and level.”

The £70m-rated centreback, who handed in a transfer request earlier this summer, has not played since suffering an ankle injury in January and Pellegrino admits he will not be ready to make a Premier League comeback against Watford tomorrow.

Pellegrino said: “It depends on the player now.

“He is coming from a long period of time without playing. He needs to train and to play games.”