MANAGER Russell Martin labelled Tyler Dibling a "really special talent" but insisted Saints need to take their time with the teenager.
Dibling, 18, impressed during his 10-minute cameo in Southampton's 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Southampton were denied points on their return to St Mary's when Morgan Gibbs-White scored the winner with 20 minutes to go.
Martin turned to Dibling on 84 to add more dynamism to the midfield as Southampton chased an equaliser.
He looked assured in possession and almost created a rare shot in the box when he pinched the ball before driving forward but his pass for Cameron Archer was cut out.
Martin told the Daily Echo: "Tyler was brilliant. He was our biggest attacking threat. He was on the pitch for 15 minutes and he's 18.
"We need a bit more of that mentality, that freedom to go and create, but he's a really special talent.
"We just have to take our time with him. But, yeah, we probably need a little bit of help in that area, I would suggest."
Martin also praised new signing Mateus Fernandes after the Portuguese midfielder made his Saints debut days after making the switch from Sporting.
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