Ronald Koeman believes Graziano Pelle’s goalscoring debut for Italy will provide another big boost to the striker’s confidence.

Pelle marked a first senior cap for his country by netting the winner in this week’s 1-0 win away to Malta, in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

The 29-year-old has now scored six goals this season, with five coming for Saints following his summer move from Feyenoord.

Saints boss Koeman says the forward’s latest effort will provide another shot in the arm for him.

“That gives him a lot of confidence,” he said. “I think it’s nice to have that debut for the national team of Italy and, if he scored the winning goal, it is something more special for him.

“We hope he will continue with his performance and what he did in the last few games.”

If he can keep up his fine form, it will improve Saints’ chances of building on their strong start to the season.

Koeman has told his players, though, that it is time to forget what they have achieved so far – and instead focus on what lies ahead.

“That’s the past,” he said of the team’s impressive opening to the campaign, which has them entering the weekend in third place.

“I spoke to the players and said we had a good start to the season, but I like to have that we continue like this and not only have a good start.

“We have to work hard, we have to do our job and be professionals every day, and then it makes it more easier to continue that.”