NIGEL Adkins described Alex Chamberlain as "a joy to watch" after the 17-year-old scored two goals to help fire Saints into the top six for the first time since they were relegated to League One.

Chamberlain netted the first two as Saints romped to a 4-0 victory against Dagenham & Redbridge at St Mary’s, their fifth win in six and fourth on the bounce at home.

Chamberlain, recently selected for the England under-18 squad, was recalled to the starting line-up by Adkins and had a dramatic impact in a display of pace and power out wide.

Adkins has the difficult task of trying to play down Chamberlain but did admit he was impressed with his display.

He said: "He’s a quality football player. When you see him running with pace and with the skill that he’s got it’s a joy to watch.

"We want him to do well but we’ve got to look after him."

For the full story, as well as a match report and the rest of the reaction, don't miss tomorrow's Daily Echo.

Chamberlain puts Daggers to the sword