RONALD Koeman’s mind was playing tricks on him as he made his first St Mary’s return.

Asked about his apparent reluctance to give young players a chance during his two years on the south coast, the Dutchman went on the defensive.

“I think seven or eight under-21 players make his debut in the first team when I was manager. Think about that,” he told his critics.

Ok, Ronald. We have thought about that, and you’re wrong.

It was five, actually, of which only two ever started a game.

And, of those five, three - Ryan Seager, Jason McCarthy and Dominic Gape - only played 23 minutes between them.

Another, Jake Hesketh, played 52 minutes.

That leaves Matt Targett as the only home-grown youngster Koeman handed a debut to who ended up playing the equivalent of a full match in his two seasons at St Mary’s.

Here are the records of those five players.

Matt Targett

Was only 18 when Koeman handed him his first senior start at Millwall in the League Cup in August 2014. His second start came in the same competition, and at The Emirates no less, the following month.

The Eastleigh-born youngster went on to make 12 appearances in 2014/15 - six of them in the league.

He made a further 20 outings in 2015/16.

Jake Hesketh

Then 18, Hesketh made a good impact on his debut - a 20-minute sub appearance at home to Manchester United in a live Sky game in December 2014. Started at Burnley the following week, but came off after 32 minutes due to injury - and never played under Koeman again. Has played twice for Saints this term - scoring in a League Cup win against Crystal Palace and starting the Europa League tie in Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Dominic Gape

The midfielder was 20 when he made his senior debut as an 89th minute sub at home to Everton in December 2014. Has not appeared since and is currently on loan to Wycombe.

Jason McCarthy

Then 19, the centre half made his senior debut as an 87th minute sub at Crystal Palace on Boxing Day 2014. Has not played for the first team since and is currently on loan to Walsall.

Ryan Seager

At 17, the striker was the youngest debutant under Koeman - coming on for the last 18 minutes of an FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace in January 2015. He later made his league debut against Swansea - coming on in the 89th minute.

Went on loan to Crewe last season but suffered a serious knee injury.