SAINTS skipper James Ward-Prowse insisted it was key to “strike the balance” with regards to helping rising star Romeo Lavia thrive in the Premier League.

Lavia has burst on to the scene at Saints this season, having played every minute in the top flight for Ralph Hasenhuttl before picking up a hamstring injury against Chelsea last month.

The Daily Echo understands the Blues made a £50million proposal to sign the 18-year-old on transfer deadline day.

Asked about helping Lavia, having captained and partnered him in the middle of midfield this season, Ward-Prowse said: ““I think I’m just trying to strike the balance, you don't want to be overpowering in those situations.

“You can clearly see that he's got the ability and he knows what he's doing so you might not need to give him as much but I think, game by game, we have different tactical tweaks, so it's just making sure that we're aligned in that.

“I like to think he knows that we can always have those chances and when he needs them.”

Belgian under-21 international Lavia was one of 10 signings brought in by Saints throughout the course of the summer.

Asked what he has made of the fresh additions at St Mary’s, England international Ward-Prowse said: “Really, really exciting.

“I think you can see immediately the quality that they have and the eagerness and the kind of ‘No Fear Factor’ around them. They want to have the ball and they want to get involved and do everything.

“It's definitely exciting to be part of and it's up to us as the older experienced players - I can't even believe I’m calling myself an older player, but I am in this case now - and to try and help them along their journey.”

Giving an update on Lavia’s injury situation during his pre-match press conference last week, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: ““It’s tough for him, you can see it’s not easy, because it feels like a full break after a very, very good start.

“This setback is always a chance – especially for players who are coming in here – to scan your body, scan your deficits you have, and work on this in this time you are out now. This is always the chance.

“I often speak it, a lot of players using this time for coming back even stronger, physically especially.

“He has shown he can play good football, I think he has shown this in the five games he was playing, but now he has to adapt his body to get better prepared for this tough league. This is a good chance for him and I’m sure he will grab it.”

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