Southampton manager reveals why Onuachu did not start against Brentford

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu made his debut for Southampton as a half-time substitute in a 3-0 defeat away at Brentford.

The debut came four days after Onuachu joined the club in an €18 million deal from KRC Genk on deadline day.

Many questioned Southampton manager Nathan Jones' decision to not start his new target man and he has come out to reveal the reason.

The inquiries into Jones' decision to not start Onuachu against Brentford is mainly due to the fact that the Nigerian striker was impressive after coming off the bench at half-time along with fellow new signing, Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Jones has now had to defend his decision by revealing why both of his new signings could not have started the game against Brentford for Southampton.

“We didn’t start them last week because they’d spent more time in a passport office than on the training pitch. That was the logical and right decision to make,” the English manager said on Onuachu and Sulemana.

Jones' comment at a press conference was referencing the fact that Onuachu and Sulemana had to secure visas and work permits which hampered their ability to join the team immediately after signing.

Onuachu replaced Mohammed Elyounoussi at half-time and made a noticeable difference with three key passes and contesting 13 aerial duels.

Onuachu is expected to start Southampton's next game on Saturday at home to Wolves as the Saints look to finally leave the bottom of the Premier League table.