RALPH Hasenhuttl reveals that “very intelligent” Stuart Armstrong has “learned to balance” the timing of his runs, and says that this has made the Scot even better.

After making just 134 minutes of action by Boxing Day due to injury, the 29-year-old is now displaying some of his best form for Saints.

His first Premier League goal of the season was key in breaking the deadlock during the 2-0 win over Everton, coming just two weeks after his first in all competitions bailed out a sluggish Saints versus Coventry City.

Saints weather early storm to enact revenge with win over Everton

Armstrong has played almost every minute of the last four league contests, in which Saints have gone unbeaten against tough opposition.

Daily Echo: Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong (Pic: Stuart Martin)Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong (Pic: Stuart Martin)

The side’s record with the attacking midfielder available this season now stands at nine wins, five draws and just one loss – without him, they have won just one of 15.

Asked what the international has been doing so right, Hasenhuttl responded: “A massive impact. He's a very intelligent player on the ball, fantastic with his runs with the ball.

“The number 10 is a fantastic position for him. Love the way he takes the game in his hands sometimes and creates chances, scores goals.

“A very intelligent and fantastic player when he is fit.”

He continued: “I must say that he learned to balance it right. Some moments in the past, I think he was a little bit too quick in going behind.

Daily Echo: Stuart Armstrong netted Saints' first in each of the last two at St Mary's (Pic: Stuart Martin)Stuart Armstrong netted Saints' first in each of the last two at St Mary's (Pic: Stuart Martin)

“And now he has a good feeling when it's necessary to speed up or when it's necessary to step on the ball and to play it back. And this is a very good combination.

“He’s always involved in all the actions. I think this is showing you how important he is for our game.”

Hasenhuttl named just one change for the clash with Toffees from the two XIs that travelled to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United last week.

That was enforced, with Romain Perraud missing out through a positive COVID test.

It has emerged that what would have been an unlikely candidate before the season started is now the favoured personnel to partner reliable Armstrong in the 10.

Moi Elyounoussi, who spent two seasons on loan with Scottish giants Celtic, has scored seven goals this term – including three in 18 Premier League appearances.

Daily Echo: Moi Elyounoussi receives instructions from Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: PA)Moi Elyounoussi receives instructions from Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: PA)

“For me on this position, the most important one is the intelligence against the ball,” Hasenhuttl added.

“How he should close the gaps, how he should close from the front to help Tino (Livramento). This is the key, I must say, both (wingers) have done a good job.

“Moi on the other side made a lot of unselfish runs for Kyle (Walker-Peters). That was the reason why Kyle had so often the chance to go inside, dribble and shoot.

“He should have scored today. I think Kyle on the left and this is on both positions in this shape.

“This is a crucial position, a very decisive one. And you need to have good players.”