Man for all sides

IT’S BEEN a frustrating and at times fragmented journey but Danny Ings is enjoying life again on his own doorstep.

Constant injuries have too often muzzled the striker meaning his haul of 19 Premier League goals is by far the best return of his career.

Only once before has he reached double figures in the top flight, 11 for Burnley following on from 21 in the Clarets’ Championship promotion season.

The change of fortune has delighted Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl and his previous managers who all recognise the blood, sweat and tears needed to build the model – one which is chasing the Premier League golden boot award.

And it led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer asking the Saints to name their price for the 27-year-old in January as the Manchester United boss searched desperately for more firepower.

Tomorrow he will hope his backing of Ings’ progress doesn’t come back to haunt him when at Old Trafford.

Hasenhuttl didn’t think twice about knocking back United. “Danny is one of our own. He is a guy who really enjoys being with us and playing in the area.”

Not that Saints were prepared to give the Winchester born forward a chance when as a hopeful schoolboy he was shown the door, forced to begin his career along the coast at Bournemouth.

Even then, under Eddie Howe there were more bumps in the road.

“He suffered a serious abdominal injury when he couldn’t play for a year,” recalled Howe. “When you are 17 and trying to make your way in the game that is a real blow. But he was mentally strong enough to come through that period.

“Handing him a contract when money at the club was tight was a bit of a gamble. But it proved to be the right decision.”

And when Howe left for Burnley his belief in the young hitman was shown with a successful £1m bid to bring him in.

Howe’s successor,

Sean Dyche, quickly appreciated Ings’ qualities, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League and being Championship player of the year.