Souness to give Le Tissier a key role at Southampton

GRAEME SOUNES'S returning to English football two years after his controversial departure from Anfield, is determined to push Matthew Le Tissier back into the England set up.

The former Liverpool and Rangers manager was yesterday named as Southampton's new boss on a three year contract.

And Souness said "Le Tissier the most talented footballer in Britain and if he is honest with himself he knows he could do more than he did last season.

"I want to get more out of him and I want to get him back where he belongs that's back in the England side.

"With someone of Matthew's ability in your side you've always got a chance of winning any match.

"He is a very special talent and he must be treated in a special way. I think that everyone at the club appreciates that, even the other players.

Former Scottish international Souness, sacked by Turkish club Galatasaray at the end of last season, takes over from Dave Merrington, who was dismissed by Southampton last month.

Souness will be in charge of team matters at The Dell, with Lawrie McMenemy continuing as director of football, and the new boss said. "As anyone who knows me will tell you, I love a challenge but we have to be realistic.

"I know it will be difficult but I believe that Southampton are a better team than last season's position indicates.

"The season before they came 10th with more or less the same set of players and that's what we've got to aim for."

Souness added "I think I have mellowed a lot. Maybe I am prepared to listen to other people more than I have ever done.

"Don't forget I was very young when I first became a manager with Rangers. I think I am a better manager now, but, of course, only time will tell.

"I want to make Southampton a place to be feared, a place where teams will feel uncomfortable.

"It took me only five minutes in Lawrie's company to convince me about taking the job. He is passionate about the game and so am I."

It is a new beginning for a man who left Liverpool in 1994 with the club reduced to mid table mediocrity and humiliated by an FA Cup exit at the hands of Bristol City.

There was dismay at Souness's Pounds 20 million worth of wheeler dealing in the transfer market and disapproval of many of his signings. Rule by fear rather than consensus's seemed to be the order, according to regular Anfield observers.

Yet the fans felt optimistic when he returned in 1991 as successor to Kenny Dalglish following his fine five year track record at Rangers.

However, Souness fell out of favour when a picture of him recuperating from heart surgery" appeared in the Sun on the third anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy.

The newspaper was reviled by the fans for its coverage of the disaster.

Now he has a chance to re-establish himself in the top flight and McMenemy said. "We are delighted to have someone off Graeme's calibre at the club. He was our first choice.

"He is someone who will have the respect of both the public and the players. The senior players report back on Monday, so the timing is right."