SAINT THEO IS STILL YOUNG AT HEART

Chelsea Ch v Southampton tomorrow,3pm

RALPH HASENHUTTL believes Theo Walcott’s return to his adoring flock at first love Southampton proves it’s never too late to teach an old god new tricks. Former England striker Walcott (left) begins his second coming for Saints against Chelsea tomorrow.

And Saints boss Hasenhuttl has already seen enough in training to believe his season-long loan signing from Everton will be a valuable addition. More than 14 years after his last appearance for Saints as a 16-year-old,

Walcott’s return has an element of romance and Hasenhuttl (right) said: “I had feedback that I put tears in the eyes of Southampton fans with this signing. ning.

“That was not the goal for me.

The most important thing is to find a player who makes us better. And I am convinced if we work with him and he is openminded to something new, then he will definitely help us.

“I’ve spoken in the past about older players where the heart is full and there is no space for something new. But there are definitely players who are able to throw old behaviours overboard and this is the feeling I have with Theo.

“It doesn’t make sense to pay £10million for an older player. But we were looking for an experienced one who showed he has the quality to compete in the Premier League. “He has a big history with this club and wanted to come to us. This is a sign for me that this guy wants to show what he has learned.” Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month, will not be available for Saints, but the rest of the squad have all returned negative swabs.