Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl has said he will continue digging for the jewels in the club's Academy, after showing considerable faith in Saints' youngsters during his first few weeks in charge.

Hasenhüttl gave Tyreke Johnson his Premier League debut last weekend, against Arsenal, in a game where he also started young full-back Yan Valery again.



Other youngsters have also been included in his training sessions at Staplewood Campus, and the Saints boss explained how that is something that he intends to continue long-term.

you can be sure there are a few jewels in the academy, and we have to polish them and make them shine. ralph hasenhüttl

southampton manager

"I am really looking forward, because there are some really good guys there," he said.



"I think they are well prepared to make the next step to the professional side, and that's why we try to give them as much chance as possible to train with us.



"Ty Johnson just made his first appearance in the Premier League and there will follow others, I am 100 per cent sure.



"That is the way we want to go in the future and I think it's a very strong signal for the youth that they are seen.



"You can be sure there are a few jewels in the Academy and we have to polish them and make them shine."

Hasenhüttl also took time during the week to visit the club's Academy staff, as well as some of the younger age groups, to wish them a happy Christmas.



"It was a very nice experience," he said. "It's a tradition here, and I think it's a nice tradition because it shows what a big family we are here.



"I think it's special for this club here, and it's what I like. To show them we are looking on them it's important to go to them and wish them Merry Christmas, look in their eyes and shake their hands."

Related Fleming joins Hasenhüttl's staff