Criticised by Harry Redknapp for returning to pre-season unfit, he was sent on loan to develop his fitness and to show he could score goals regularly in this league. For a striker who has scored a first team hat-trick he would have been better served doing the business for Saints with our problems in attack.
His return marks a big opportunity for the 19 year old with the chance to secure a starting berth. As Leon Best's return to the first team squad has shown the chances are there, it is up to the youngsters to take them.
While Saints inability to find the net is reason enough for the recall, the move also coincides with an expected announcement after Thursday's board meeting to confirm who the new manager will be. The new man will then have the bulk of the squad available for him to assess ahead of the transfer window.