SAINTS loanee Dynel Simeu admitted some things are “not easy” after moving nearly five hours from home to Tranmere, but praised his parent club for their handling.

The 20-year-old defender is enjoying his second spell away from his hometown club, after impressing with League Two outfit Carlisle United in the second-half of last season.

Simeu had remained with Dave Horseman’s B team throughout the summer with the hopes of landing a progressive move, but returned to League Two with Tranmere on deadline day.

The former England youth international has started the last two league fixtures under manager Micky Mellon, winning last time out with a clean sheet at Salford City.

“Slowly step by step I’m getting more comfortable, I’m still getting to know everyone but people have been welcoming towards me,” Simeu admitted.

“The gaffer is good and everyone’s helped me out in different reasons. I’m grateful and hopefully I can keep getting settled.

“It’s not easy being four-and-a-half hours away from home in Southampton, things are a lot different and I can’t just pop back home to my mum’s house and get some food.

“It’s important to transition off the pitch as well as on the pitch, but on it I’m just trying to learn,” he added.

Explaining Saints’ role in looking after him, who is among the likes of Will Smallbone, Nathan Tella, Kegs Chauke, Thierry Small and Caleb Watts out on loan across the EFL, Simeu praised the club.

“There’s a loan manager at Southampton (Danny Butterfield) and they’ve got various teams that keep in touch with me, they’ve been up to watch two of the games already which is quite helpful to get the feedback I need,” he said.

“It’s not like I’m just here in a big pond by myself like a small fish, I’m in regular contact and if I ever need anything it is quite helpful.

“I think I’m in good hands with the gaffer, but I’m here to learn. I’ve got a lot to improve in my game and I’m surrounded by good players.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook