THE various reactions to Andy Cole's sending-off might come to dominate the immediate headlines - but the day young Leandre Griffit made his Premiership debut is far more likely to find its way into the history books.

The Frenchman has only been at Saints for a handful of months, but has already emerged as the club's most outstanding young prospect since Wayne Bridge.

Manager Gordon Strachan was planning to give the 19-year-old this season before even considering him for the first-team so that he could adjust to what must have been a massive move, both personally and in footballing terms.

But Griffit has shone for the reserves this season, top-scored with four goals and unquestionably earned his chance - particularly given the lack of first-team goals in recent weeks.

What he did in just ten minutes on Saturday was no surprise to those who have watched his progress in the reserve team.

The cool way he passed the ball beyond Brad Friedel to seal the 2-0 victory simply underlined his fantastic progress this season.

But perhaps what will have equally pleased Strachan was the way he showed an immediate willingness to chase-back and tackle during his brief appearance.

Correctly managing Griffit's introduction to the first-team is now crucial.

As a player, his capacity for goals and creativity are a massive bonus to a team still lacking in those departments.

Momentum should not be lost, but equally Griffit should be spared the pressure of staying in the glare of the first-team if his form does dip. He will probably continue to develop from the bench.

The Frenchman must be full of confidence and his performance certainly showed the advantage of playing people unburdened by the pressure of having previously gone four games without a goal.

Elsewhere, Saints did again look short of self-belief in the final third, particularly in what was a dire first-half.

Crowd chants for Marian Pahars (who has been out for almost a year) only highlighted the desperation felt by many.

Indeed, as Saints ticked past the 450 minute mark since their last goal when Kevin Phillips scored at St Mary's against Steaua on September 24, you began to worry that the name of Agustin Delgado could be next on the fans' lips.

But cometh the hour, cometh the man as James Beattie cracked home his seventh goal of the season.

From there, Saints never looked like losing and he once again showed his strength of character under pressure.

Naturally whenever there is a penalty-kick the buzz of the crowd is tangible.

But few players can create that sort of excitement when they are standing over a ball for a free-kick from about 30 yards.

Like David Beckham, Beattie has become one such player and he again showed why that has become the case.

It was also Beattie who set up Griffit for the second.

The worry for Saints, of course, is being over-reliant on their talisman who has been ever-present for more than a year and the only consistent source of goals.

But for now, Saints are back into the top six again.

Confidence can be infectious in football and the emergence of Griffit alongside the return next week of Kevin Phillips could just give the season a fresh impetus.