Speaking on the latest episode of The Total Saints Podcast (March 22, 1:20pm), BBC Radio Solent Sports Editor Adam Blackmore has made an admission about Southampton star Ryan Bertrand, and says it "might surprise" some people.

What did he say?

Well, the broadcaster was reminiscing about some of the best people he has chatted to during his 16 years covering Saints, and he named the former Chelsea man as one of them alongside the likes Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana.

Speaking on the Total Saints Podcast (24:35), he said: "One of the ones that might surprise someone is Ryan Bertrand. [He's] always great to have a quick chat about life or whatever for five minutes. He always looks like he doesn't engage but actually, if you just collar him outside the training ground he'll just chat, and he's just nice."

Is that a surprise?

The 30-year-old has been with Southampton for nearly six years including his loan spell before he made the move to St Mary's permanent in February 2015, yet some still appear to be unconvinced about the England international's commitment at times.

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His demeanour on the pitch on occasions may be something to do with it, as his body language can sometimes come across as not caring.

However, this is an experienced player who captained the side under Ralph Hasenhuttl's predecessor Mark Hughes, and is clearly a respected senior member of the dressing room – The Daily Echo reported in December that the likes of Nathan Redmond, Jack Stephens and Michael Obafemi look up to the left-back.

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Not only that, but he has been a brilliant and consistent performer in his position for Saints over the years in his 198 appearances in all competitions, and hopefully Blackmore's insight into him off the pitch resonates with those supporters who may have their doubts over him, confirming he is simply misunderstood.

In other Southampton news, Blackmore has suggested one frozen out Saints player can still play a part for the club, and it would mean they wouldn't have to worry about losing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg...