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Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has said that Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles has a lot of work to do to break into the starting line-up.
The England international had an unconvincing loan spell with Roma earlier this year, and it was anticipated that he could be sold permanently by the Gunners.
The Saints eventually signed him on loan with an option to buy, but Hasenhuttl has clearly stated that the midfielder will need to work his way into his plans.
He said: "We have with Ainsley a lot of work to do also because he has to adapt to our game and this is something that takes time a little bit."
"It doesn't make sense to throw someone in who isn't ready for what we want to do. When he is ready, on the level we think. He will help us for sure."
Maitland-Niles played 17 minutes during his Saints debut against Wolves this month, but was not in the squad to face Aston Villa on the road on Friday night.
It is a clear indication that the 25-year-old won't be guaranteed minutes without proving himself. He will need to win over the manager's confidence in training.
Written by Sri Aswin
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