BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted “it was not an easy decision” to select youngster Tino Livramento ahead of Kyle Walker-Peters at Everton but added: “He is a player who can play in the Premier League.”

The 18-year-old, who only signed for Saints from Chelsea earlier this month, played 90 minutes as the St Mary’s side fell to a 3-1 defeat at Everton.

Walker-Peters, a standout performer for Saints last campaign, was left on the bench as an unused substitute as the visitors were undone by second-half goals from Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Livramento had just played 45 minutes in a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at St Mary’s last Saturday, before being thrust into Premier League action for his new club.

Asked about selecting Livramento over Walker-Peters, Hasenhuttl replied: “The players out on the pitch today, they showed most of the pre-season.

“Okay he (Livramento) was not that long here like Kyle but it was not an easy decision.

“But I was looking for his physical one against one qualities he has defensively against Richarlison. I think he did it fantastically to be honest.

“We (know) he is immediately that he is a player who can play in the Premier League and this is very positive for us.”

Adam Armstrong’s goal in the first half had put Saints ahead before the visitors hit back in the second half on Merseyside.

It means Saints are still waiting for an opening-day win in the Premier League since 2013.