Eckert hails 'outstanding' performance from Southampton defender | Daily Echo

TONDA Eckert revealed nobody is happier when Saints win than Nathan Wood, and hailed his "outstanding" performance against Fulham.

Eckert highlighted Wood's contribution to Sunday's FA Cup 1-0 win in a meeting with players on Tuesday as they prepared to face West Brom.

That was only the 23 year old's fifth start of 2026, yet Eckert insisted there was no doubt that the former Swansea defender would deliver.

Eckert was particularly pleased that Wood, who usually has the biggest smile after a Saints win, was able to contribute to an important victory.

"He was outstanding against Fulham, and there was no doubt that he would be," Eckert told the Daily Echo ahead of facing West Brom.

Nathan Wood has seen his minutes limited since the start of 2026. (Image: Richard Sellers/PA)

READ: Eckert insists he won't allow for complacency ahead of West Brom

"You can feel that it hurts him that he hasn't played as many minutes lately.

"Even more, it shows the maturity that he has gained over the last weeks, the last years, to be able to come in for a game like this and perform the way he did.

"I said this today in a meeting, actually, that if you see us winning football games, the happiest face that you see after a win is Woody.

"No matter if he started, if he came on, or if he didn't get as many minutes, that just shows the character he is.

"I was very, very happy for the performance and his contribution against Fulham."

Wood has not started a Championship game since Southampton's 2-1 defeat to Hull City in mid-January, but has been used as a sub.

The former England youth international was introduced late on to help Saints see out wins over Sheffield Wednesday, Watford and Sheffield United.