Abbott determined to take opportunity in Saints side after tough loan start

Southampton defender Zach Abbott insists he is ready to seize his chance following a difficult start to his loan spell from Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old center-back made just his second appearance for Saints during Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Preston North End, coming on as an early substitute after 11 minutes when Keven Schlotterbeck dislocated his shoulder.

Abbott joined Southampton on a season-long loan late in the summer transfer window after Taylor Harwood-Bellis departed for Aston Villa. With Schlotterbeck facing an expected layoff of at least a month, Abbott could see an increase in playing time, though a decision regarding his loan may be evaluated in January if regular minutes fail to materialize.