DAVID Horseman was impressed with the performances of Saints as young as 16 who stepped into his B team for the cup contest with Arsenal, admitting: “They have definitely given us food for thought in that we know we can rely on them if needed.”

Saints B drew 1-1 with Gunners’ Premier League Division One side in the first fixture of the 2021-22 Premier League Cup, and had as many as seven scholars on the pitch by the end.

The likes of under-18s Josh Lett, Dom Ballard and the hotly-tipped Kami Doyle stepped up an age group and faced one of the stronger academy teams in the country, picking up a point following Caleb Watts’ free-kick opener.

Attacking midfielder Doyle has been pinpointed as one in particular to keep an eye on as the next to take a big step, after he hit five goals in two Under-18 Premier League appearances so far this season.

But Saints B have struggled to find form in Premier League 2 after relegation last campaign, with no win and just one point in the opening three fixtures.

Speaking after the Arsenal clash, Horseman said: “Brilliant, we had 16 year-olds, I think we ended up with seven scholars on the pitch, four first years.

“And they’re playing against one of the best academies and a really good team. They showed real moments of quality and did really well.

“Whether it’s right for them to be up with us all the time because physically that’s a big ask, but they have definitely given us food for thought in that we know we can rely on them if needed.

“I really enjoyed the game, I thought it was a proper game, a few tackles, the crowd were giving us a bit of a stick.

“We had to show everything we’re looking for, we showed a bit of grit and determination. They’re a good team, they attack quick, we delt with it really well and had some massive chances to win the game. That was a proper game.”

Saints’ next test comes in the shape of a strong Fulham outfit, in a return to Premier League 2 action on Friday 10 September.

Horseman will want to take the positives of a good result against Arsenal and turn that into a first three points of the season in London, but insists it won’t be a straightforward operation.

He added: “I think it will be another really tough game.

“I think them and (Aston) Villa are some of the best teams in our league this year but the grit and determination in the key moments that we’ve been lacking we showed tonight.

“If we keep showing that, we will get results this year. I think Southampton’s got talent, the team are a great bunch of people but they have to show it more often and turn it into points for the end of the season.”