PAUL STURROCK compared last night's left-flank combination to the famous Wayne Bridge/Chris Marsden axis.

The Saints boss played Jelle Van Damme behind Graeme Le Saux in the 2-2 draw with Elfsborg and was encouraged.

He said: "I was very pleased to see an awful lot of crosses from the left-hand side.

"Obviously since Bridge and Marsden have gone we have struggled a bit to get crosses from the left side.

"Graeme and Jelle worked very well together.

It was good for Graeme because when Jelle did drive forward, Graeme could go to left-back - similar to Bridge and Marsden and that's the reason why I have had a wee look at it.

"We've not had the luxury of left-footed players out on the left for a long time and I think to be fair Anders (Svensson) wants to play out there.

"He is appreciative that centre midfield is very competitive and his skills could also benefit wider.

"Jelle has got things to learn when the other team has got the ball, but anyone who has watched him can tell he's got superb energy, great fitness and a great cross.

"He can be a really good footballer, but we have to remember that he is 20 and he makes mistakes as well."

Sturrock was generally happy with last night's performance, particularly as it is currently mid-season in Sweden and Elfsborg are among the form teams in the top-flight.

"They are on a good run and they are very confident," he said. "They've not lost a goal in the last five games. It was a stiff test and it is nice to come out with a result."

Sturrock is now expecting a faster pace of football as Saints continue their preparations with a trip to his former club Plymouth on Saturday.

Then Saints go to Swindon next Tuesday followed by a trip to non-league Eastleigh two days later before their only St Mary's friendly against Italians Chievo Verona on Saturday August 7.

Sturrock added: "Now we have got to play high tempo, we have got to play British football the next three games.

"Sometimes when you play a slower pace you can get sucked into that type of game.

"Now we will play teams that will be higher tempo and we will be much better for it."

CLICK MATCH REPORTS TO READ JEREMY WILSON'S VERDICT ON THE GAME.