TUESDAY'S FA Cup win over Watford served as the clearest proof this season that Southampton's future is in good hands.
Russell Martin named a starting line up which included four players 21 and under, while a further three came on from the bench.
Bleeding youngsters into the team is not a new thing for Martin's Saints - he has done it since his arrival - but Tuesday evening marked the first time the youngsters have dominated the game.
Tyler Dibing, Jayden Meghoma and Sam Amo-Ameyaw have trained regularly with the first team this season - their only extended break came when the trio represented England at the Under-17 World Cup.
And, on the basis of their performances in the senior team, it's clear to see why they have been trusted in a side unbeaten in 24 games.
Against Watford, it was Dibling who grabbed most of the attention. From the offset he caused problems for the Hornets defence as he tied James Morris into knots.
The Exeter-born youngster's finest moment came in the second half when he drove at the Watford defence to create Sekou Mara's second of the evening.
As the image below displays, Dibling received the ball from Shea Charles inside his own third before driving into the space in front of him.
Having shaken off tackles from Francisco Sierralta and Jamal Lewis, Dibling gained entry to Southampton's final third, before popping the ball off to Che Adams, who in turn fed Mara to score.
After the goal, Jan Bednarek, who recently played his 200th game for Southampton, ensured that Dibling got the credit he deserved from his teammates, some of whom were as much as 13 years his senior.
"Tyler was brilliant tonight," Martin told the Daily Echo after the game. "I am really pleased and proud of him.
"He had a tough debut at Watford away. He was so disappointed with himself, but we told him the next day that he would play tonight.
"That was important for him to understand that he was going to have another opportunity.
The recent emergence of Luke Littler - a teenager who almost won the Darts World Championship on his debut - has made it difficult to remember that 17 year olds are not supposed to be performing at the highest level so soon.
But, at just 17, Dibling has already showcased some of the hallmarks of a top player.
He possesses the ability to glide past defenders, he is developing his willingness to drop back to defend and his socks already sit well below his knee.
There is still a long way for all three to go of course. Tuesday's win was only Dibling's fifth senior appearance for Southampton - and his first start at St Mary's.
Meghoma was making his fourth senior appearance, while Amo-Ameyaw - the most experienced of the trio - came on for just his eighth outing.
It was not just Martin and Saints supporters that Meghoma impressed, he also caught the eye of an experienced opposition player.
"I just had a chat with Jake Livermore about how talented a player Jayden Meghoma is," Martin continued.
"He is mature, calm and intelligent. He is really developing the defensive side of his game. Sam Amo and Tyler are the same.
Another win at St.Mary’s and through to the next round! Thanks for getting behind us Saints fans❤️ #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/d7wlzHnLKi
— Jayden Meghoma (@jayden_meghoma) February 7, 2024
"They are all incredible young players, but by training with the group every day they understand it is not enough to just be a good player.
"It is about running for the team - that then gives you a platform to showcase what you can do with the ball."
Naturally, when young players make a splash on the first team, everyone gets excited about how they can help their team get to the next level.
But, what is important to remember, is that the development of a young player is never linear.
Mistakes are a key component of the learning process. Bumps in the road are par for the course.
"There is so much pressure on young lads when they come in from friends, family, academy staff - whether they mean to put pressure on them or not.
"I'm not saying that has happened here, but you feel that as a young player. I'm really pleased.
"Very few can step out at 17. I think all of them have been frustrated at times because they want more opportunities.
"That is the mentality you need to have if you are going to be a top player."
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