Paul Onuachu made his first appearance of the season for Southampton in their 3-1 loss to Gillingham in the first round of the English Football League Cup on Tuesday evening, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The lanky striker came on for Ché Adams in the 69th minute as the Saints attempted to get back into the game.
Onuachu has been linked with a move away from St Mary’s all summer following his struggles in the second half of last season after joining from Racing Genk.
He was omitted from the Saints’ squad that defeated Sheffield Wednesday on the first matchday of the English Championship.
It remains to be seen whether the Nigerian International will still leave Southampton before the end of the transfer window.
Ashley Nadesan gave the Gills the lead after only 11 minutes, slotting into the corner after Dom Jefferies burst down the left wing behind the Saints defence and crossed into the box.
McKenzie doubled Gillingham’s advantage six minutes into the second period, before volleying into the net 20 minutes from the end to secure the Gills’ place in the second round for the fifth successive campaign.
Carlos Alcaraz claimed a consolation goal for Southampton with a minute left, but it was too little too late.
Saints were semi-finalists in the competition last season and were appearing in the first round for the first time since 2011-12 following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Boss Russell Martin changed his entire starting 11 from the side that beat Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day of the Championship campaign.
