Ralph Hasenhuttl assesses Adam Armstrong's start at Saints

Armstrong, 24, showed his goalscoring potential in the Championship last season, notching 28 in 40 second tier appearances at Blackburn Rovers.

That form earned him a summer move to Saints, following the sale of Danny Ings to Aston Villa.

But Armstrong has, so far, not been able to replicate his goals tally in the Premier League.

The Newcastle-born ace made a dream start to life on the south coast, scoring on his debut against Everton at Goodison Park.

However, he has not netted in his six appearances since, despite starting on each occasion.

Armstrong lost his spot in the starting XI for last weekend's clash against Leeds United, with Armando Broja and Nathan Redmond the preferred striking duo.

And the pair combined for Broja to score and earn Saints their first win of the season, with Armstrong an unused substitute.

Asked if he expected more from Armstrong during the early months of the season, or if he thought it would take him time to adapt to the top flight, boss Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "No, I didn’t expect more from him. Definitely not.

"I expected exactly what I have seen – that he is a player with potential, a player with some super skills that you definitely can use in every team and I’m sure that he will also be a very important player for our game in the future."

Hasenhuttl added: "I am 100 per cent convinced about the player and we know that starting a Premier League season is always a tough one.

"He had a good start with the first goal immediately and then also had a few good games, missing the second goal what he could score in a few games I think.

"I am sure he will make a lot of games and we must be careful. We have a lot of options up front.

"We have to look to get the right decision in the right moments.

"He can score goals, he shows it in every session and I think it will also not take long until he scores his second in the league."