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Southampton boss Ronald Koeman hints at Gaston Ramirez role

Ronald Koeman insists that out-of-favour Southampton playmaker Gaston Ramirez has a future at St Mary's.

Manager Ronald Koeman has refused to close the door on Gaston Ramirez's Southampton future.

The 24-year-old winger made his first Saints appearance in 13 months after coming on as a substitute in their 6-0 League Cup demolition of MK Dons on Wednesday.

It was reported earlier this month that the Uruguayan - who spent last season on loan with Hull City, who were relegated - could negotiate the cancellation of his contract, allowing him to move on a Bosman.

"Gaston is part of the team, is training well and his behaviour is positive. I'm the first person to give that kind of player a chance," the Dutch coach told a press conference. "I spoke to him before starting pre-season and for the first time he had a normal holiday. After seven or eight days he got an injury and lost three weeks of pre-season.

"He isn't the first choice but I know his qualities. He is technically a very good player and if he is physically on a good level why not? It's all about your performance the whole week and if you get the chance to play you need to show your qualities.

"Sometimes maybe it is a mental question for a player but he needs to be 100 per cent physically well to perform. Maybe the Premier League is too physical for that kind of player but technically he is a very good player."

Ramirez, who earns in the region of £65,000 a week, cost £12m from Bologna in 2012.

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Shane Long of Southampton (7) celebrates with Victor Wanyama (12) and Graziano Pelle (L) as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on August 9, 2015
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