CAPTAIN James Ward-Prowse declared himself "absolutely delighted" to see Will Smallbone back in Premier League action, admitting: "He went through such a tough time."

Smallbone, who rose up through Saints' academy, made his first top-flight start in 11 months in Wednesday night's contest at Crystal Palace.

The 21-year-old, whose only other appearance this season came in the EFL Cup at Chelsea in October, spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL in a game at Leicester in January.

In a recent interview, Smallbone explained how his time away from the game also saw him dealing with a separate issue, as he lost all his hair due to alopecia.

The Republic of Ireland international has now recovered from his serious knee problem and featured for 70 minutes in an advanced midfield role in the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.

Discussing the return of his teammate, Ward-Prowse told the Daily Echo: "It's huge. I’m absolutely delighted for Will because he went through such a tough time with his injury.

"It's great to see him back. I’ve seen first-hand the journey he’s been on and the effort he’s put in to get where he is.

"He’s very similar to me in the way his journey has gone, playing in different positions and stuff like that so it’s great to see where he’s gone and we will be there to facilitate it."

Asked for his assessment of Smallbone's performance against Crystal Palace, boss Ralph Hasenhuttl added: "It is absolutely amazing what he did.

"I am very happy for him because after such a long time, I must say I have worked very good with him.

"He is fitter than before. He was coming back after one year very, very solid fitness with a good drive on the pitch.

"The last two weeks in training you couldn't deny that he is one of the best on the pitch and you have to give him a chance.

"It is also a signal for all the other players that are not playing at the moment.

"They see what you can do when you work hard, when you train well, everybody gets a chance and this is what they have to do. Every day, not only once.

"Then you deserve to play. This is what he did and I think he did it okay."

Saints are next due in action at West Ham United on Boxing Day (3pm).