RALPH Hasenhuttl speculated on the idea that teenage sensation Tino Livramento could play further up the pitch in a wide midfield role, answering: “Good question. I am sure he could play this position.”

The ex-Chelsea youngster joined Saints this summer with a keen sense of intrigue and an already enhanced reputation after winning the Blues’ academy player of the year award – but no-one could predict what’d happen next.

Not only did he impress Hasenhuttl enough that he usurped Kyle Walker-Peters and turned his right-back position into his own, he also escaped the Hasenhuttl long-term project zone which every other signing seems to go through.

As was seen with Mohammed Salisu last season, and again with Brazilian defender Lyanco – players don’t just walk into Hasenhuttl's sides, not least into a position of which was already occupied by a top performer.

But that’s the reality of the talent Livramento possesses. He showed fans why he was not to be left out with storming runs and unheralded confidence, for an 18-year-old – it seems a matter of time before he begins to add goal contributions from the back four, let alone mention his already impressive defending.

His ability going forward and bravery to try the difficult ball has led to reports emerging that suggest he could be set for some time further up the pitch.

Hasenhuttl admits he could play there, but squashed such an idea for the time being at least, telling the Daily Echo: “Good question. I am sure that he could play in this position also.

“I think the question is always where you can bring his qualities most to shine.

“I have to do that every week.He has his qualities up front but he also is defensively very strong.

“You know that his positions in the Premier League are very often strong one against one players, and there he was for me in some moments the better option now than Kyle (Walker-Peters) who did last season a very good job, I think I have a very good combination.

“I also have Yan Valery there who is defensively strong and has very good physique. On the other side, Romain and Kyle on the other side also good alternatives, Thierry Small is coming in the young lad, we have now five players in the full-back positions if you want.

“This is the future for the club and these players will definitely all have chances to play.

"They will get their chances to play.

"In the 10 position we have the same issue where I put Tino up and we also have five players.

“There are players there I want to play like Stuart Armstrong, Theo Walcott, Nathan Redmond, Moussa Djenepo and Moi Elyounoussi.”

But then the Austrian added: “That does not mean there doesn’t come a game where he has to play up there.”

Livramento announced himself to Saints fans with a second-half cameo against Athletic Bilbao during pre-season, dinking a delightful ball into Theo Walcott’s path to finish literally seconds after coming on.

His next St Mary’s appearance brought about a Sky Sports man of the match performance against Manchester United, before his following home match saw him contribute towards his first ever Premier League clean sheet.

The youngster will want to continue on his upward trajectory and has a clear aim set out by Hasenhuttl, who added: “If you know me you would know I’m not a big fan of big shouting on the pitch.

“Taking, I don’t know, leaderships on the pitch or whatever.

“Run, play football and do what we ask you to do and do a good job for a player we have for running and not shouting.”