In the four years since he was forced to retire due to injury at the age of 26, the former Saints full-back has not played organised football.

"I wasn't sure if it was going to bring back the challenging memories as well as the good ones," he admitted, in a candid interview with the Daily Echo.

McQueen, now 31, featured in the recent Saints Legends fixture against Manchester United on Saturday, marking his first game in over seven years.

The Saints academy ace retired in 2022 after three years of injury hell, and is still learning to live with the reality that his career was cruelly snatched away.

"I loved it, though," he added, reflecting on his recent appearance.

"I've been reluctant to play because of my knee, but I had a really good day in the end. There were real legends in that dressing room.

Southampton's Sam McQueen during the Friendly match between Southampton and Manchester United Legends XI at St Mary's Stadium. Photo by Stuart Martin. (Image: Stuart Martin)

“I was nervous to be around them because I didn't know if...