Leon Best has experienced a mixed season so far but it is one that could end up in glory if the next few weeks go according to plan. The 20-year-old grabbed a vital goal last Saturday as Southampton kept their play-off hopes alive with a crucial victory over Norwich City. After starting out the season on loan at Bournemouth and then enjoying another temporary stay at Yeovil Town, Best could end up firing his club into the Premiership. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson asked the questions.
Q:GEORGE BURLEY CLEARLY HAS FAITH IN YOU LEON, WHAT'S BEEN THE SECRET?
A:I had a good loan spell at Yeovil and he brought me back and gave me my chance, so I thank him. I'm going to dedicate the goal at Norwich to him. I'm delighted I've been playing.
Q:WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE EDGE?
A:Really, it has just been a case of working hard. When I was on loan I had confidence and experience playing the games. George must have seen that and he has been the one who has started me, which is great because we do have a lot of strikers at the club. When you are out on loan, you get used to scoring and you want to score all the time. Then your confidence comes as well and you can try and do other things you didn't do before.
Q:HOW HAS YOUR GAME DEVELOPED?
A:I think I've got stronger and quicker and working with the team all the time is helping me gel. Going out on loan, if you go to the right club, is the best thing you can do. As a young player you might get pushed out of the team because those around you have age and experience, but if you go out on loan and prove yourself you can get yourself back in.
Q:WHAT WAS THE ATMOSPHERE LIKE IN THE DRESSING ROOM AT CARROW ROAD?
A:As you would expect, everyone is on a high, everyone is buzzing. We were looking at results. The substitutes were shouting them out. There were a few dances here and there. It was great.
Q:WAS THAT A PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT?
A:Yes, but it's not about me. Scoring a match-winning goal is a good feeling but being in the play-offs sounds even better. It was hard work keeping the lead once we had the goal. Anyone could have gone out and scored and everybody would have been putting in 110 per cent for the win to put us in the right position for the next game. George has got a good set of strikers, all of whom could play with anyone and they'd get goals for him. Everyone's going to put in 200 per cent and work right and never give up. We will fight to the end. I can't wait, I'm looking forward to it.
Q:AND IT WAS A GOOD STRIKE BY YOUR LEFT FOOT?
A:I couldn't believe it! No, I just kept my eye on the ball. Steve Wigley, who used to be my coach, used to scream at me to make a good connection when he was here. I think he would have been pleased with that one. I was going to run to the bench but I got caught by the other players on the way there.
Q:AND YOU ARE GETTING A BIT OF A RUN TOGETHER NOW?
A:There's not a time when we don't go out and try to give 100 per cent. There's still a game to go but it is in our hands now, which is great. If we do our jobs better than those below us on Sunday, then we will be there. And I think the whole club is looking forward to it now.
