BLACKPOOL boss Steve Bruce has backed Saints youngster Dom Ballard as having an "outstanding chance" to make it in professional football.

Ballard, 19, was recalled early from his season-long loan at the Tangerines by Saints last week having made 22 appearances for the League One club.

The England youth international had not scored since opening his Blackpool account against Cambridge United in his second appearance.

Saints had feared Ballard would need shoulder surgery after an injury earlier this season but Ballard has been able to continue playing.

However, Bruce believes the injury he suffered against Huddersfield impacted his "physical output", adding: “It’s been taken out of our hands.

Saints recalled Dom Ballard from Blackpool last week. (Image: George Tewkesbury).

"Southampton have invoked it so we have to respect that. When I walked through the door, Dom Ballard was fresh and bright.

"I don’t know if his shoulder injury has blighted him a little bit, but since that day at Huddersfield, we unfortunately haven’t seen the best of him.

“Whether the actual shoulder dislocated and came out, our physios are convinced and they put it back. For four or five weeks, he wasn’t the same.

“I wish him the best, he’s a great kid and a great lad to have around the dressing room. He had a great start, but unfortunately in the last couple of months, we haven’t seen the best of him.

“Young players need time to adapt. They come here for that valuable experience. I picked him in my first two or three games, but whatever happened that day against Huddersfield, we haven’t seen the best of him since.

“I hope he gets over that and gets physically and mentally right because the kid is a very good footballer. If he can stay fit and healthy then he’s got an outstanding chance.”

Ballard's loan at Reading last season was also cut short following a patella injury which required surgery after he had scored five goals in 12 games.

Saints confirmed Ballard would be reintegrated into the under-21s upon his return but could secure another loan move ahead of the transfer deadline.