Gallagher eager to impress Koeman

Sam Gallagher put an injury-hit season behind him by inspiring Southampton to Under-21 Premier League Cup glory, netting an exceptional goal which he hopes caught Ronald Koeman's eye.Last season surpassed all expectations for the teenage striker as he became a regular under Mauricio Pochettino, making 20 first-team appearances as back-up to Rickie Lambert.Things have gone awry this season, though, with injury stunting the 19-year-old's progress.Gallagher has not even been named in the matchday squad since the arrival of Koeman, although he gave the Saints boss a nudge in some style on Tuesday evening.The England Under-20s international's wonderful strike secured the 10 men of Southampton a 2-1 extra-time win over Blackburn in the Under-21 Premier League Cup final at St Mary's, where the first-team manager was amongst the 12,356 crowd."It was unbelievable, that's all I can really think to say," Gallagher said, smiling."I was always thinking throughout the game it would be nice to get one and to get in the way I did was quite special to me."I've had a long injury which has put me back quite a bit this season. It sort of feels like it has just started, but it's almost coming to an end. "I have always had my focus on the under-21s when I got back fit and I am just looking forward."We've got the league to come now, so hopefully we can do well in that and crack on."Gallagher is hoping to help Saints end the Barclays Under-21 Premier League strongly, although his performance in front of the on-watching Koeman only strengthens his case for a first-team place."Well I know they sort of watch all the under-21 games," Gallagher said."You always know you've got to impress and do what you can to get in the first team."Hopefully he (Koeman) enjoyed that one."

Source: PA