SOUTHAMPTON legend Marians Pahars has insisted the Saints fans need to be patient with striker Damion Downs as he adapts to life in England.
The USA international has struggled since he arrived in the Championship as he has yet to register a goal.
Downs has even been subject to abuse on social media as well as in the stadium following his performances so far this season.
Pahars is understanding of Downs’ slow start as he was in a similar situation when he moved to the south coast.
In an exclusive interview with Solent Sports News, the Latvian spoke about his difficult debut: “My debut was a disaster.”
He jest: “If you would see my statistics, it would be zero everywhere.”
His first game was a substitute appearance in a 1-0 defeat against Coventry and subsequently was dropped from the squad for the next game.
The former Saints man is hopeful he can turn it around like he did: “But maybe he just needs some more preparation and more time but sometimes it can be like this, just try to be patient.
“You need time to adapt, it’s normal.”
