BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl described as a “role model” frontman Che Adams after the striker’s integral contribution to Saints’ blistering start to the campaign.

Having taken 30 games to get off the mark last season, following a reported £15million move from Birmingham City, Adams has since gone on to score seven times in his next 15 games moving into this campaign.

He continued his impressive run of scoring form in Friday night’s 2-0 success over Newcastle at St Mary’s – a victory which briefly sent Saints top of the Premier League pile.

And Hasenhuttl, whose side are currently fourth in the table heading into the international break, believes Adams’s rise typifies his side’s development.

“He’s a role model for the time we went through – from zero to hero at the moment,” said the Austrian manager.

“I think we are always believing in what he’s doing.

“I am very happy for him that he can show more and more that he’s a Premier League player – and a very good one.

“And he is still not stopping learning because I think he has a fantastic mentality – like all my players.”

Adams stepped up to forge a fluent striking partnership alongside Theo Walcott during the success over the Magpies – in the absence of injured goal-getter Danny Ings.

His recent form has also drawn praise from fellow frontman Troy Deeney, who believes the 24-year-old could be in line for a future England call.

Speaking about Adams on talkSPORT, the Watford striker said: “Naturally, Danny Ings has got injured so a lot of workload and pressure has gone on him to deliver the goals and he has come up trumps.

"He's got three goals and two assists in eight (league) appearances so far (this season).

“For someone who is only 24, is showing real signs of being a real top, top player who could be asking for an England call-up further down the line."