Chala returns home

Kleber Chala has been allowed to return home in order to prepare for Ecuador's World Cup matches. Kleber was only playing in the reserves and the language barrier was causing some difficulty. Strachan was not prepared to play Chala in the first team until his English improved. Rupert Lowe said: "We have talked it over with Gordon Strachan who has agreed that Chala should return to Ecuador. He has obviously suffered from the fact he has not played enough games because we have a strong midfield which is doing very well and there is plenty of cover.

"We feel comfortable being able to part with him for the final few games in an attempt to help Ecuador ahead of their first World Cup. We want to give him every chance of participating and wish him every success.

"He needs to be match fit and this will help him prepare himself. But he will remain a Southampton player with two years left on his contract. Gordon believes he has a part to play and we will welcome him back in July."