FORMER Saint Theo Walcott believes Saints should be "proud" of producing breakout starlet Tyler Dibling.

Dibling, 18, has enjoyed a rapid rise this season, stamping his mark on Russell Martin's first-team squad after a successful pre-season.

The academy graduate has already scored his first Premier League goal - in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town - and ranks among the best creative players in the division per 90 minutes.

Walcott has previously drawn comparisons between the way Dibling and Manchester City's Jack Grealish carry the ball.

Walcott, who was in a similar position to Dibling in 2005 when he burst onto the scene, warned that we need to be careful when building the teenager up.

Speaking to Sky Sports, ahead of a charity game at St Mary's, Walcott said: “Saints have got some nice, young players coming through.

"Tyler Dibling, I actually shared the field with him at Southampton when he came up the ranks.

“He’s another one from the academy that we should be proud of. They’ve built some very good players.

“You always need to be a bit cautious when players come through but he has already shown signs at such a young age about how confident he is.

“He is free. I always feel that is the gift that Southampton always give, the freedom for young players to come and express themselves. He’s getting rewarded right now.”