RALPH Hasenhuttl’s told Michael Obafemi to increase his ‘workload’ if he is to become an integral part of Saints’ team.

The 19-year-old was taken off at half time against Arsenal last week and was left on the bench for the club’s visit to Watford.

Shane Long, who is 14 years older than the youngster, was preferred to lead the line alongside star man Danny Ings at Vicarage Road.

 ]“I think Michael has a lot of potential as he is really quick and is good on the ball,” Saints’ boss said.

“Without workload as a striker, you have no chance to play, especially in our team.

“This is something he has to learn, especially when he gets the chances to play two games a week.

“It’s always a problem that we have to pay attention to his physicality as he’s had injuries in the past and we really have to take care of him.

“But that doesn’t mean in the second game that he can rest on the pitch. It’s important that he knows he has to invest a lot because if he doesn’t it’s not good.”

Obafemi’s played 21 times for Saints this season and has scored three times, with two of those coming against Chelsea and West Ham in the Premier League.

Hasenhuttl has previously questioned Obafemi’s professionalism but is staying patient with the attacker as he’s aware of his quality.

Asked whether he believes the striker’s listening to the advice being given to him, the Austrian responded: “I think this is something he also knows.

“It’s the one thing that I tell him, and I need him to show me the reaction. This is definitely the biggest goal for the future.

“He has to have more consistency in his workload. It’s very often he plays one good game and then the next one is far below the average.

“This is not possible.”