SAINTS great Rickie Lambert has hailed Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The former striker went on the short trip to China to help boost the club’s profile along with fellow icon Matt Le Tissier.

And having seen up close the work Hasenhuttl is doing, Lambert reckons it could be an exciting year ahead for the St Mary’s side.

Speaking to Saints’ official website, Lambert said: “What Ralph did last season, I think he rejuvenated the city really.

“For him to come in and turn it around and have his first pre-season, I think everyone is excited. I think Che [Adams] was a great signing. He looks very hungry to succeed in the Premier League.

“A few players, Danny Ings especially, with a full pre-season behind them so I’m excited to see the strike force.

“I’m really excited and I can feel the buzz amongst the city again.

“The city are behind Ralph, the players look like they are so it’s going to be exciting.”

Saints won 4-0 against Guanghzou R&F in Macau, with the goals coming from Che Adams, Shane Long, Yan Valery and Christoph Klarer.

Having been on promotional duty during the short stint in China, Lambert put his football nous to use by coaching some of the kids and revealed he was just happy to be asked to go.

He added: “I’ve loved it, I’ve loved every minute and it was a privilege to get asked by Saints. I was made up.

“I couldn’t believe the city. I got told a little bit about but the size of it, the size of the hotels, it’s incredible and it’s a great city. I’ve enjoyed being with Matt as well.

“The appearances have been enjoyable, we’ve played a bit of football, coached the kids and it’s been enjoyable.

“It was a pleasure to teach the Under-16s and they looked eager to listen and obviously I only had one session with them but I tried to give them a couple of pointers.

“It’s great that Southampton are starting to put their name out there in China.

“There’s a lot of connections between teams from England and China so hopefully we can start spreading our name now.”