Shooting stars on loan

Last updated : 02 November 2005 By Chris C
Dexter Blackstock, on a month's loan to Derby County, came on as substitute against QPR and scored with a trademark poacher's finish as the ball broke to him in the box. Given the question marks over loaning a player of his quality to one of our main league rivals, it was a perfect day from a Saints perspective with Blackstock's strike coming in a Derby County defeat!

Nathan Dyer also came off the bench and made an even bigger impact, helping to turn the game around against bottom of the table Millwall. He scored the equalising goal with a quality strike from outside the box and gave the Millwall defence a torrid time in a Man of the Match performance. Dyer has now scored on his debut for Saints, England U19s and Burnley.

After Theo Walcott's starring display against Millwall, the Lions must be sick of the sight of Saints' youngsters. With Nathan Dyer supposed to be even quicker than the electric Walcott and Martin Cranie no slouch himself, provided they make the grade, Saints youngsters should provide the injection of pace that Saints have lacked over the last couple of seasons.

Of course, this is just the first game for both players for their new loan clubs, but this is exactly the type of experience and performances that Harry is looking for from his players when he sends them on loan. It will be interesting to see if they can keep it up and force their way into the Saints line-up at the end of their loan spell.