Eckert: Big day for the football club
Tonda Eckert was full of pride following Southampton's progression in the Emirates FA Cup, which saw five Academy products involved at St Mary's.
Saints took the lead just shy of half time, Cyle Larin netting his second goal in as many St Mary's games from the penalty spot.
Leicester equalised during the second half which forced the game into extra-time, where James Bree headed an 109th minute winner to send the hosts into the fifth round.
"It's a big day for the football club and a good preview of a promising future," said the Head Coach. "I think [the young players] have been outstanding today. Especially with the team that Leicester finished the game, it's the same team that we played on Tuesday other than one position on the right wing.
"We have many boys that played in the [Under] 21s at the beginning of the season. They need to be able to not just bring a game over the line, but bring an even game into our direction. I think it says more than enough and a big, big compliment to the older ones who guide them through the game. But also for the younger ones to bring that game in our direction.
"I think a lot of it is based on trust. I know that they have this from me, but in the end it's them that need to be ready and it's them that need to be performing in the end. So a big, big compliment again, one more time for everyone who came on and for the guidance around them. I think it's a big day for the football club to see how much is coming through the Academy and actually able to perform on the pitch.
"We very much [deserved victory in 120 minutes]. I think there was one situation at a corner that we don't really defend that well on a second phase, where we just need to be a little bit quicker. I think that we played a very good game and especially [because] we made many, many changes. Many players that haven't played together."
