DEXTER BLACKSTOCK'S goal on Saturday proved why many think Steve Wigley IS the future as Saints boss.

It was a big decision for Wigley to include the 18-year-old in the starting line-up to face Portsmouth and one that could have backfired.

With James Beattie back in attack, most fans would have expected to see him line-up alongside Kevin Phillips as the club's two most experienced hitmen in such a vital game for the club, the fans and the boss.

But Wigley went with his instincts and included Blackstock to lead the line with Beattie, and the head coach was richly rewarded.

It worked out even better when he brought Phillips on and he headed home the winner.

When Wigley first took over back in August his teams rarely changed, even though they weren't getting results.

This led to a school of thought that maybe stepping up from a coach to a manager had made it hard to break those ties of friendship with the players and drop whoever needs to be dropped.

Wigley has learned fast, though, and, after sticking by some players through thick and thin, was not afraid to wield the axe at the weekend with several regulars this season not even making the subs bench.

That gave heart that Wigley is growing into the mould of a top flight boss but, above all else, it was his selection of Blackstock that inspired most and pointed the way to the future.

Everybody knows that Saints' academy sides, and the youngsters that have now progressed to the reserves as well, are the envy of clubs up and down the country.

A large part of that is thanks to Wigley, who has overseen the footballing development of many of the emerging talents and made decisions on who to buy - including Blackstock.

In two years time those youngsters could be making up the bulk of the first team squad and Saturday proved how valuable it is to have a man at the top that knows those players well.

Having worked with him since the player's arrival at St Mary's in September 2003, Wigley knew Blackstock and his personality .

He knew he would be able to handle a massive pressure match. So he played him and Blackstock scored.

What a decision that proved to be.

Speculation regarding Wigley leaving his role shows no signs of dying down, but should be killed off by the club if they REALLY believe in him.

In charge they have a guy who can bring on the next generation of Saints players.

Of course he needs to prove himself with the current crop of first team players.

But look at it this way - one nearly complete first team squad to pick from, and one win.

Patience, on the back of the Portsmouth result, clearly won't last forever and the league table will ultimately judge how long Wigley's reign as boss lasts.

But stability, and brave decisions from chairman Rupert Lowe, could now reap long-term benefits for the club.