Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was happy with Will Smallbone's performance in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
With a shortage of forwards as Stuart Armstrong and Adam Armstrong remained on the sidelines, the Saints boss insists that the opportunity had been earned through hard work at Staplewood Campus.
“I was brave to let him start today," Hasenhuttl said, speaking after the 2-2 draw.
“I think he deserves to have this chance as what I have seen in the last few weeks is good. Constantly working hard in the sessions, constantly showing up in the sessions.
“That gives me a good feeling for giving such a young lad a chance to play and I must say as well I see the energy to run and fight, it was good.
“You can see at the end he was a little bit running out of energy and you have to sub him but it was a good performance today."
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