Austin all revved up
SOUTHAMPTON striker Charlie Austin has given new manager Mark Hughes a major boost by returning to training.
Despite not playing since Christmas because of a hamstring injury, Austin remains Saints’ top scorer with six goals.
Now the 28-year-old is being readied to make his comeback in the crucial relegation clash at West Ham on March 31.
Hughes said: “We’ve been speaking to Charlie over the last two days and he’s really encouraged by how it’s going.
“We feel we’ve got a chance of integrating him for short periods next week. If we can do that, we can speed up his progress.
“With a bit of luck, if he’s ready for West Ham that’s a massive positive.”