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In an interview with The Daily Echo, the dad of Southampton striker Danny Ings has revealed a recent story that should seriously worry Saints fans.

What's the word, then?

Well, Danny's dad Shane was speaking to The Daily Echo about how his son has settled into life at his local club when he was growing up following his summer move from Liverpool.

The Winchester-born 26-year-old has started his career with the south coast outfit in impressive form with four goals in eight appearances in all competitions – including three of the six Premier League goals they have managed this term.

Having spent so much time out in recent years because of serious injuries his fitness may still be a concern however, and his father has done little to alleviate those fears with his latest comments.

Shane told The Daily Echo: "You can't judge Dan on a few games. He played three in ten days [before the international break] and hasn't done that for three years. He's found it hard. He was lying on our sofa shattered the other day."

Why should Saints fans be worried?

It is already clear from their opening eight top flight fixtures – in which they have tasted victory just once – that not only could they easily find themselves in a relegation battle for the second successive season, but that Ings is going to be their main goalscoring threat this term.

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As we approach the final couple of months of 2018 the fixtures will start to build up – especially with their continued participation in the Carabao Cup and over the festive period – and it is certainly a worry that the striker appears to be struggling with lots of matches in a short space of time.

Southampton fans will be hoping that Ings' match fitness really takes off in the coming weeks so he is able to effectively play every match at a 100% level, otherwise the south coast outfit could find themselves in big trouble if they are missing their danger man in important games.