RISING star Dan N’Lundulu described his first senior goal for Saints as “a dream come true” but insisted: “It’s only the beginning.”

N’Lundulu, 21, was handed his first start by Ralph Hasenhuttl for Tuesday night’s FA Cup third-round clash with League One outfit Shrewsbury Town.

The striker, who has made his breakthrough into the senior squad this season, had previously made seven appearances as a substitute in the Premier League this term after debuting in October’s victory over Everton.

But he was handed the chance from the off against Shrewsbury and wasted little time in taking his opportunity, firing home with 17 minutes on the clock.

James Ward-Prowse added a brilliant late free-kick to secure a 2-0 victory and set up a showdown with Arsenal on Saturday.

But the night belonged to N’Lundulu as he got off the mark in professional football, having had to bide his time after injury setbacks earlier in his career.

“Of course it’s a dream come true,” the striker told the Daily Echo after netting against Shrewsbury.

“I’ve got to keep going, keep listening and keep listening to the most experienced players as well, getting my confidence and keep working hard.

“It’s great, I’ve been through a lot with my injuries. For Southampton to keep the trust and keep believing in me, it’s great.

“It was a good day. But it’s only the start, it’s only the beginning.

“I’ve got to keep working hard, keep listening, keep taking in advice and get better and let’s see what the future holds.”

There was a brief moment where it looked like N’Lundulu’s big moment may be ruined as a VAR check was called after his goal, for a possible handball by Caleb Watts in the build-up.

But the France-born frontman insisted he was never in any doubt.

“No, I was sure! I was sure it was a goal,” he said.

“And I’m glad it was a goal as well. It was a great opportunity. I had a few and I took it.”

N’Lundulu was one of many young players to come up through the academy to get their first start for the senior side against Shrewsbury.

Watts and Kegs Chauke were named in the XI, while fellow youngsters Ryan Finnigan and Alex Jankewitz were also handed debuts later on in the evening.

Discussing making his first start alongside players he knows from the academy, N’Lundulu said: “It was a great experience, especially at St Mary’s.

“We used to play with each other for the under-23s, so it was a great experience again to play with them. I bet they loved it as well, as their debuts.

“It’s a big difference (to under-23s football), but at the end of the day you’ve got to step to it.

“You’ve got to be ready and I was ready. You can see the quality of the players, it’s almost easier because you’ve got better players around you, so it’s great. I’m enjoying it.”

Asked if he’s been surprised at all by the amount of chances boss Hasenhuttl has given him in the first team this season, N’Lundulu added: “I mean, I work hard in training. I think it’s deserved.

“I’ve been through a lot, especially with injuries over the last couple of years so it’s great the manager has trusted me and I’ve just got to keep showing him why I’m worth it.”

N’Lundulu started up front against Shrewsbury alongside a man towards the other end of his career in Shane Long.

And the 21-year-old reserved special praise for some of the older members of the squad for helping him settle into the first-team environment this season.

“The players are great, especially to have quite a lot of experience. I don’t have a lot of experience so it’s unbelievable really.

“They help you, if you need anything they’re right there so it’s a great club with great players and great staff. I’m enjoying it and making the most of it.”