Tonda Eckert wants to help Southampton continue their academy momentum. _(Image: Harriet Massey/NUFC)_
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UNDER-21s boss Tonda Eckert has promised to take the fight to Real Madrid at St Mary's this evening as Saints get their Premier League International Cup campaign under way.
Around 10,000 supporters are expected to be in attendance when Southampton host Real Madrid at St Mary's in a 7pm kick-off this evening, and tickets are still available.
Real will pose a tough test, having started this competition with a 1-0 win over Wolves last month, and Eckert admitted they have players "two years" ahead in their development.
Saints come into the game after tasting defeat in the league for the first time under the German coach, losing 3-1 at Leicester City on Saturday.
They were without key players Cam Bragg and Nick Oyekunle after they were called into the senior squad, but both are available again this evening.
"It'll be a nice challenge for the boys. They play against men, and that's what it's all about. If you ask any of our boys, they all want to be in first team football sooner rather than later," Eckert told the _Daily Echo_.
"We actually had quite a consistent start to the season. I'm not just talking about the results, but I think that's not so common in 21s that you can consistently put the same starting lineup out on the pitch.
"There will be two excellent teams facing each other. Real Madrid don't come to St Mary's too often. Hopefully, we get there with the first team as well in a couple of years.
"I think there is a charm to having Real Madrid over here. I can promise that we will have a tough fight on the pitch and give them a good game."