SAINTS manager Ruben Selles claimed striker Paul Onuachu “can be a big weapon for us” if they continue to work on bringing him into the game.

The Spaniard had commented ahead of visiting West Ham United that they had been working on how to suit Onuachu’s specific skill set in training.

Selles admitted the six-foot seven-inch Nigerian international makes Saints “more direct” and sometimes “more defensive” because of his natural profile.

Onuachu scored 19 goals in 16 games in Belgium’s Pro League before a deadline day January move to the Premier League – but he is yet to find the net for his new club.

The 28 year old hit the woodwork with a header during the eventual 1-0 defeat to David Moyes’s Hammers, and Selles was asked about Onuachu’s contribution after the match.

"We have been working on it in order to not be focused only on the long balls when we play Paul there,” Selles said.  

“I think he was unlucky in the first two actions basically because the first two actions for him were after five minutes of defending set plays.

“Then we bring him in, he was attracting defenders and we opened up more situations for crossing actions and that's where his chance came.”

Selles added: “We are working on it. I think we managed better bringing a player like Paul into the pitch and we need to continue because it can be a big weapon for us if we continue."

Onuachu cost over £15million to acquire as one of three attacking reinforcements added during the January window.

Mislav Orsic, signed from Dinamo Zagreb, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, from French side Stade Rennes, both also still hunt their first goals in England.