SAINTS skipper James Ward-Prowse backed Tino Livramento to be “even better than he was” once he returns from a serious knee injury later this year.

The talented full-back is just less than five months into his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament issue, sustained against Brighton back in April.

Earlier this month, the former Chelsea youngster posted via social media he was back running on grass with the caption: “Been a while! Thank you for all the messages over the last four months. Still a long road ahead but another milestone hit.”

Ward-Prowse dedicated his goal celebration during that 2-2 draw with Brighton to Livramento following the injury – putting his hands into a T shape.

Asked how much of a boost it was to now see Livramento back running again, the Saints captain told the Daily Echo: “A huge boost.

“With players who are out with long-term injuries like Tino, you see the daily challenges that they go through.

“I have never seen anybody deal with an injury in the way he has done.

“The positivity that he’s got, the daily challenges he has, he cracks on with them with a smile and he’s working incredibly hard.”

Livramento burst on to the scene at Saints last season, having signed a five-year deal with the club following his move from Stamford Bridge.

The England under-21 international featured 32 times for Saints in all competitions last campaign before being struck down by the knee problem.

“It’s great to see him daily and see what his days are looking like. Everybody is behind him and helping him,” added Ward-Prowse.

“He’s a fantastic player and I’m sure he will be even better than he was when he comes back from injury.”

Giving an update on Livramento’s injury status during his pre-match press conference last week, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “It looks good.

“Without being too euphoric I think we are on a good time schedule with him and a return to the team, so everything looks quite good at the moment.”

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