MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted Saints could “count on” returning Mohamed Elyounoussi and added: “I’m sure that this season he will make a lot of games.”

The Norway international has spent the past two campaigns away from Saints on loan at Scottish giants Celtic, where he chalked up 67 appearances in all competitions, as well as 24 goals.

The winger also claimed a Scottish Premiership title and League Cup trophy during his first year north of the border, before returning to Saints this pre-season.

Elyounoussi featured in games against the likes of Swansea and Levante during the St Mary’s side’s warm-up fixtures.

He was also named among the substitutes for the club’s Premier League opener at Everton on Saturday.

Elyounoussi signed for Saints from Swiss outfit Basel under Mark Hughes in June 2018. He has played eight times for the south coast side under current boss Hasenhuttl.

Asked by the Daily Echo what it was like to work with the 27-year-old once again, Hasenhuttl replied: “He’s a very good player with some important skills for our game.

“Strong in the red zone, in the pockets, good solutions there.

“He showed in the pre-season that we can count on him and I’m sure that this season he will make a lot of games.”

Elyounoussi also played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time at Molde – and could come up against him on Sunday when Saints host Manchester United in the top flight.

And fellow forward Nathan Tella insisted it was a “bonus” to have the former Basel man back among the ranks.

“I’ve been really impressed with him actually,” said Tella, when asked about Elyounoussi’s return.

“He works really hard for the team, is very good on the ball and is just a nice guy to have around the training ground.

“He’s someone who, when he first came to the club, I was still in the under-23s so I didn’t really see much of him.

“But obviously now I’m with the first team, just speaking to him about how he found Celtic and how he enjoyed it there and how he’s looking to work hard to get into the team here.

“He’s doing all the right things. He’s trained really well, full of confidence and ability. It’s going to be a bonus to have him in the team.”