MOHAMED Elyounoussi produced an impressive performance against Leeds United, despite feeling unwell earlier in the day.

Boss Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed the Norway international "didn't feel good" before taking to the field against the Whites.

However, the 27-year-old impressed and was deservedly given a standing ovation when he left the pitch to be replaced by Nathan Tella with just seconds of stoppage time remaining at the end of the contest.

And Hasenhuttl explained why Elyounoussi's performance was even more impressive than it appeared on first viewing.

"If you know that he was not really fit, he was a little bit sick today, didn’t feel good but he was really fighting until the end," the Saints boss told the Daily Echo.

"And after this week where he played two games, very, very impressive for me.

"(I am) very happy to have him here, yes."

Elyounoussi has been in fine form for Saints this season after returning from a two-year loan spell at Celtic.

He has made seven appearances for Hasenhuttl's side, scoring four goals, while also contributing heavily for his national team.

Elyounoussi scored both goals of Norway's 2-0 win over Montenegro in a World Cup qualifier last week, having also played the full 90 minutes of a 1-1 draw with Turkey three days earlier.