Ajax Helps Clyne's Fitness Build

New-boy Nathaniel Clyne says he enjoyed his first St Mary's appearance as a Saints player - and he is taking the positives out of today's narrow defeat to Ajax.

Clyne, who only joined the Club last Thursday, started on the right side of defence for the friendly against the reigning Dutch champions.

And he put in an excellent first-half performance before being replaced by Frazer Richardson at the break, with First Team Manager Nigel Adkins keen not to overwork his new signing.

"I enjoyed it - it was nice to get a run-out in front of the fans," Clyne told Saints Player after the game.

"We played against a tough opposition in Ajax. They kept the ball well so we found it difficult to get the ball off them.

"For the first 20 minutes we were chasing them, but we composed ourselves and started to get the ball and play.

"We looked positive going forward when we had the chance to do so, and we looked dangerous and like we were going to score because we had a lot of opportunities.

"We tried to push forward and created chances, but unfortunately we didn't get the goal - but it was still a good performance.

"Of course, a result would have been nice if we had won but if the performance is good and we show that we are pushing on, creating chances and doing well then it's all good."

Clyne has now played just under 70 minutes' worth of football since signing for the Club from Crystal Palace, and he feels his fitness levels are now moving toward where he would like them to be in time for the new season.

"This is my second match and I played for 45 minutes, so hopefully in the next game I will be able to add more minutes to my game so I can try and get myself fully-fit for the start of the season," said the 21-year-old.

"I'm enjoying my time here. The lads have welcomed me in well and I've settled down so I'm enjoying training and working hard.

"It's a very professional club - they work hard on every aspect of the game, both on the field and off the field."