Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says Aaron Ramsdale still has a role at the club to “support the team” despite becoming their fourth-choice goalkeeper.

The 28-year-old moved from Arsenal to Saints in the summer of 2024 having been number two to Spaniard David Raya.

In the 2024-25 campaign he made 30 Premier League appearances as Saints were relegated, before last season’s loan spell at Newcastle where he played 23 times under Eddie Howe.

He then returned to Saints over the summer, who still remain in the second tier having been removed from last season’s play-off final following the Spygate scandal.

Ramsdale has been playing for Southampton’s under-21 team this season, something Eckert revealed the goalkeeper asked to do.

Having failed to secure a move away during the transfer window it looks as if Ramsdale, who has played for England and in the Champions League, will remain at St Mary’s until at least January.

“The reality is that Rambo’s story at the football club has started before I came in,” Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

“We’ve had honest conversations from the very first day of pre-season to the last day of the transfer window and he’s still a part of the group.

“The expectations for him are clear to support the team in the best way and he’s been very professional in doing that so far.

“Let’s see what happens. Aaron also became a father for the second time a couple of days ago, my expectation is that he is a Southampton player.”

Saints’ first choice between the sticks is Daniel Peretz, who the club signed permanently over the summer following a successful loan last season.

The former Bayern Munich and Hamburg keeper made a good impression in the second half of the campaign, and Eckert has made it clear that he will remain their first choice after spending a reported £6m to sign him in June.

Eckert also reaffirmed his backing of last season’s second choice George Long, while 37-year-old Jamie Jones returned to the club on deadline day.

“Me and the club have made a clear commitment to Daniel as our number one and that stands,” Eckert added.

“I think he deserves that off the back of some brilliant performances in the last season, my commitment to Longy as number two stands as well.

“That group has worked really well together last year as well as Jamie as the training goalkeeper and this is the way that we will go forward.”