SAINTS manager Ruben Selles labelled Theo Walcott a “capital player” following his calm finish during Friday’s 3-3 draw with league-leaders Arsenal.

The 34 year old scored only his second Premier League goal since May 2021 with both remarkably coming against north London clubs in six-goal draws – after Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Walcott’s goal at Emirates Stadium was also the second he had scored against former side Arsenal, who he joined from Saints in 2006 before returning three seasons ago.

Walcott has seen his most extensive involvement back at St Mary’s under manager Selles, who has tasked the former international with helping to lead a young squad.

Speaking after the match, the Spaniard said: “Theo has been a capital player for me since I took the team.

“I think he’s shown how good he is, how he managed to have this big team spirit, and I think it was special for him to come back here.”

Selles added: “I’m very proud of the work he did. He’s a magnificent player, I can’t say anything else than this.”

Walcott’s current Saints contract is due to expire at the end of the season but the veteran has admitted to the Daily Echo his future is uncertain.

"June and beyond? Goodness me, I might retire, who knows? This might retire me,” he said.

“We’ll see, I don’t know and I honestly have no idea. I’m very relaxed about what happens next beyond this season, my main challenge is to keep this team up.”