Nigel Adkins confessed he would pay to watch Adam Lallana play after the Saints midfielder turned in another virtuoso display.

Lallana scored one and had a hand in creating the other two as Saints eased past Cheltenham 3-0 in the FA Cup second round.

At times the game seemed almost too easy for Lallana whose terrific skills and attacking intent caused the League Two side all sorts of problems.

Now the manager will be even more determined that Saints try and tie the player down to a new contract.

Lallana’s current deal expires next summer and at the moment he will be free to speak to other clubs once the January transfer window opens.

Adkins said: “He’s a joy to watch. I’d pay to watch him myself.

“He’s got a great attitude, a great enthusiasm to play football and I’ve been very impressed with him since I’ve been in the building.

“He wants to do well – he’s great for his teammates and he’s got so much ability, but we’ve got to keep improving all the time.”

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