Skacel Wants to Leave

Czech international Rudi Skacel has handed in a transfer request as the window is soon to close.

Skacel, 29, joined the Saints in July 2006 to join up with ex-Hearts manager George Burley and the left winger has made 60 league appearances for the Saints, scoring eight goals.

However, down to injuries and frailties at the back, Skacel has found himself covering at left back; but since the arrival of Lee Molyneux from Everton, Skacel has found himself on the bench against Barnsley and he was then suspended in the home defeat to Doncaster Rovers.

New manager Mark Wotte did not include Skacel in the squad against Norwich and the Dutchman explained his decision: 'Rudi was due to sign another contract for another club abroad so he asked permission to negotiate and be ready for a medical,' he said. 'I was a little surprised that he was still around, but while he is here we will consider everyone who is available.' he told the official website.

'That said, we need a little consistency and we have to pick the players that can do the best job possible.

'A decision [on Skacel's future] has not been made yet. Rudi did well for the last couple of months, but he asked for a transfer and if anyone is not 100% committed to Southampton Football Club then I don't want them to play for us.'

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