MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl described as “the right step” Armando Broja’s move to join Saints on loan from Chelsea and added: “He is getting better and better.” 

The Albanian international has impressed at St Mary’s since arriving on a season-long switch back in August.

Broja has netted six times in 15 games in all competitions for Hasenhuttl’s side – his latest a classy effort from range against Crystal Palace last time out.

Asked how he would describe the 20-year-old’s journey with Saints thus far, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “The goals he has scored are telling the story what he was going through since he was coming here.

“In the beginning, he had quite a slow start but I am very impressed about his development.

“Since he is here, I know we are training a little bit different, we are very intense in the sessions and for a young player, I think it is something you have to adapt.

“Some take a little bit longer, some are going quicker in this direction and I am happy for his development so far.

“I think it was the right step for him to come here, to get the chance.

“We are known as a club where young players get a chance to play in the Premier League and when you have this chance you have to grab it.

“Finally, he is getting better and better.”

Broja will be looking to continue his impressive form for Saints when they make the trip to West Ham in the top flight on Boxing Day.

Quizzed on whether he had seen the Slough-born youngster also grow as a person, as well as a player, the Austrian boss replied: “These are still young lads, these are still guys who are just grown-ups.

“It’s good when they are sometimes a little bit childish and have fun in what we are doing.

“This is what I want, what is not a problem for me – as long as their concentration on their work, on the pitch is also there and they listen what you have to do against the ball.

“When this comes together it can be a good combination of having your self-confidence, your emotional young atmosphere in you.

“Then also in the end the discipline and focus you need to have as a professional football player. This can be a good combination and hopefully this leads to good performances.”