SAINTS goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has opened up on the harsh lessons he’s been forced to learn in his maiden Premier League campaign.

The 21 year old became the youngest starting goalkeeper in the top flight when he was chosen by Ralph Hasenhuttl for the opening day defeat to Spurs following Bazunu’s summer move from Manchester City.

And despite some early promise, it has proven to be a season of struggle for Bazunu who came under fire for a raft of glaring errors before he was dropped in favour of Alex McCarthy for Saints’ late April defeat to Bournemouth.

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Still with ample time on his side - particularly for his position - Bazunu will be hoping to regain his starting job next season and should benefit from a year of development in the Championship should Saints’ likely relegation be confirmed.

Speaking to Sky Sports about the challenges he and his team have faced this season following Monday night’s damaging defeat at Nottingham Forest, Bazunu provided insight into his mindset and how he addresses periods of adversity.

“We have a very young squad which can make it difficult, a lot of players playing at this level for the first time, including myself”, Bazunu said. 

“We have come on the wrong sides of results at times, like with Forest and Arsenal, having really good performances and just not picking up the points we needed.

“Football is full of disappointments, and the ones at the top are the ones who have experienced that disappointment and been able to fight back, and get back up off the ground after they have been knocked down. 

“That is what this season has constantly been: it’s been about learning how to get back up, learning how to be resilient, to bounce back after defeats and poor performances, and somehow keep that level of confidence.

“That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned this season, no matter what happens, you have a next game, and you have to continue to fight and work towards that.”

Following the decision to drop Bazunu, manager Ruben Selles explained that the young shot-stopper wasn’t happy but understood the call.

“Of course, he wasn't happy,” Selles said. “But he understood the decision. He is the young goalkeeper with the most minutes in Europe as we have said and he's had a good season in the Premier League.

“But I made the decision together with the rest of the technical staff using some of the facts that we just need to give it a try. Alex has been training and competing really well and he showed us a good level today.

“The conversation has been clear and direct as usual with all three goalkeepers and with the direction that we took for the game.”

Saints disastrous campaign will almost certainly end with relegation to the Championship - something that could be confirmed as soon as this weekend should they fail to beat Fulham on Saturday.

Only three sides have conceded more goals than Saints’ 64 this season while their total of only four clean sheets in 35 games will be a major reason for their relegation fate.