ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Doolan described loaned-out Saints defender Zach Awe as "outstanding" after his first senior goal.

Awe, 20, scored his first goal for Accrington Stanley last weekend in a 3-0 thumping of fellow League Two strugglers Colchester United.

The six-foot five-inches defender strode forward and played a one-two with Dara Costelloe before rolling the ball through the 'keeper's legs.

“Zach Awe is outstanding, he really is," Doolan said after the important win. "We knew what we were bringing to the club and that (his goal) shows it.

“He’s getting bigger, better, he’s physically stronger, he sees the game now. He was always technically good.

“He was at Arsenal as a young kid and he’s at Southampton now. He’s playing on the left-side of a three and he’s not left-footed naturally.

“We knew he had it in his locker. He made an early run down the left-hand side and I was shouting at him ‘Keep going, keep going’."

Awe has made 18 appearances for Accrington Stanley across all competitions, important senior minutes for a young defender.

The centre-back joined Southampton from Arsenal last summer and was keen to play "men's football" this season to "kick on" his career.

"I did a year in youth football. I needed to get out and play men's football," Awe explained in the summer.

"When the call came in from the gaffer, (the move) made sense. I didn't know much about Accrington until I did a bit of research.

"This move needed to happen at this stage of my career so that I could kick on and develop as a man and a footballer.

"I'm aiming to play as many games as possible and hopefully achieve promotion.  I just want to help the team. It's going to be a huge jump, I think it's something that I'm ready for."