MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl believes Ibrahima Diallo’s impressive display for Saints against Liverpool on Monday “shows that he can definitely help us”.

The France under-21 international stepped up in place of the injured Oriol Romeu for the battle against the defending champions.

He played an integral role as Saints went on to seal a 1-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s men, thanks to Danny Ings’s early strike.

Assessing the former Brest star’s performance, Hasenhuttl said: “I must say also Ibra was amazing. He is a fantastic signing from the summer.

“Ori was out since Sunday and to chuck Ibra immediately into the game, it’s fantastic. I’m very happy.

“He knows what he has to do. He knows what it’s about to play in our six position.

“Everybody knows exactly what he has to do and then it’s not so difficult to step in here.

“But it’s difficult to be that brave immediately and show also on the ball some really good movements.

“This is exactly what I expected from him when he was coming here and I’m very happy that he shows that he can definitely help us.”

Diallo has made eight appearances in the Premier League for Saints since switching from Brest for £12million in October.

He has started two of the past three games, playing 90 minutes against Fulham and the Reds.