Matt Targett, the latest left-back off Southampton's production line, could not be prouder to be helping his boyhood club confound the doubters.
Saints' fabled academy has produced many a star over the years, with left-back a position in which the club have been particularly prosperous.
Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw and Wayne Bridge all thrived in the role after being given a first-team chance by Southampton - footsteps local boy Targett is looking to follow in with his boyhood club.
A month on from making his debut at Millwall, the full-back impressively rose to the occasion in the Capital One Cup third-round clash at Arsenal, helping to secure a 2-1 win to the delight of the 5,000 travelling fans, which included his Saints-supporting family.
"It was a big difference to Millwall," Targett said, with a smile. "It was a great atmosphere and I'm just glad we got the win.
"We defended well and knew we'd get chances as they're a bit inexperienced at the back. At the end we dug in well and got the win.
"The manager said from the start that he wants to take this competition very seriously so hopefully we can get far in it."
The victory capped a fine week for Targett, who could think of few better ways to belatedly celebrate turning 19 last Thursday.
"It's good to be playing in the first team after growing up as a kid supporting the club and watching all the home games," the left-back from Eastleigh said.
"I've grown up supporting the club and it is always an honour pulling on the shirt."
That connection makes Targett all the more proud to see Saints sitting second in the Barclays Premier League.
Whilst aware the season is only five matches old, it is an impressive feat given the well-documented turnover of players at St Mary's in the summer.
"Ronald has come in and done a great job," Targett said of manager Koeman, who replaced Tottenham-bound Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.
"He has got the team playing well - the position in the league says that. It is good that he is still giving the youngsters the chance.
"A lot of people left during the summer but we're here to prove everyone wrong. We brought in a lot of players and they've settled in very well."
Targett has yet to make a league appearance and is likely to drop out of the starting line-up in favour of Ryan Bertrand when Saints welcome QPR this weekend.
Like England international Shaw before him, the teenager is looking to learn as much as he can off the Chelsea loanee and is prepared to bide his time.
"It is great competition with someone who has won the Champions League," Targett said. "Hopefully be competition to Ryan, hopefully get a few Prem games and carry on what I am doing."
Targett was one of five Saints changes at the Emirates Stadium, whereas Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger plumped for 10 in all.
One of those coming in was Abou Diaby, with the injury-plagued French midfielder making his first start in 18 months.
The 28-year-old was withdrawn after 67 minutes after what Wenger called an "acceptable" performance, which strengthened his intention to turn him into a defensive-minded player.
"I try to transform it, yes because I feel because he was injured for a long time and he has the physical potential to win the challenges," Wenger said.
"To face the game will be easier for him than to play with his back to goal with the injuries he had. I tried to develop him in a deeper role, I think he can do it.
"He can be very interesting because he has all the attributes to do it. After, he must love it as well because he's more of an offensive-minded player."
Source: PA
