Ronald Koeman "not afraid" to hand Jake Hesketh Southampton debut

Ronald Koeman has said that he is "not afraid" to give youngsters a chance after naming Jake Hesketh in the Southampton starting XI for their trip to Burnley this afternoon.

The 18-year-old has only played 21 minutes of first-team football in his short career so far, but Koeman has drafted him into the starting lineup in light of injuries to Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin.

"We need a midfield player in an offensive position," Koeman told the club's official website after naming his team. "I'm not afraid to give young players their debuts."

Fellow youngster James Ward-Prowse has returned to the Saints' matchday squad for today's game after a spell on the sidelines.

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