SAINTS outcast Joe Aribo has opened up on his recent absence from the team, stating that he’s ‘not too fussed’ and just has to ‘remain patient.’

The Nigerian international was signed from Rangers in the summer for an initial fee of around £6m. And Aribo immediately established himself as a crucial member of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team, appearing in each of the 14 Premier League games under the Austrian while starting ten of those.

But following Hasenhuttl’s sacking shortly before the World Cup break, Aribo saw his minutes decline under Nathan Jones as he started just one of the eight games with the former Luton boss at the helm.

READ MORE: Concern grows over Saints defender with second straight international absence

Things have only gotten worse since Ruben Selles took over from Jones with Aribo not even making the matchday squad for the Spaniard’s six games.

Currently away with Nigeria for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers home and away against Guinea-Bissai, it’s now been 86 days since Aribo last started in the Premier League. While he confirmed that he is fit to play, Aribo told Elegbete TV Sports that he is staying patient and waiting for the right timing.

“It’s coach’s decision,” Aribo said of his lack of playing time. “I think every single coach has their own opinion on things. 

“For me, I’m not really too fussed or too fazed because it’s all processes, it’s growing pains. I just need to be patient and just wait on god’s timing - which is perfect.”

“Of course, it’s difficult,” he added about going from being a regular at Rangers to limited minutes with Saints. 

“For any normal human it would be difficult. But for me, I don’t let that affect me too much. I’m pretty strong minded so how I deal with disappointment is I kind of use it to charge me and just try to improve the best I can. 

“Again, it’s god’s plan. So at the end of the day, I shouldn’t stress, I should just have faith.”