Ronald Koeman has hailed the improvement of Victor Wanyama and admits the midfield enforcer is even more vital to Saints during their current injury crisis.

The Kenyan has been in fine form of late and is set to have plenty of responsibility again placed on his shoulders this evening for the visit of Manchester United to St Mary’s.

With Morgan Schneiderlin ruled out tonight, Jack Cork, pictured below, sidelined for about six weeks and Toby Alderweireld also touch and go to be ready for United, Wanyama will be a key man, whether he ends up alongside the Belgian, youngster Harrison Reed or Steven Davis.

Koeman said: “He is an important player. In the beginning he did it well and it was difficult for him because he had a different pre-season than the rest of the players because he had to play for the national team of Kenya, but little by little he is taking his place in the team.

“He’s very strong. He wins his battle in midfield, he scores goals and that’s the difference between now and last season.

“If Morgan is not in the midfield still he is more important because they have a good relation, they are connecting well in midfield and Victor is maybe the most strongest, physical midfielder what we have in our team.

“He’s doing well, he’s a good professional and I’m happy to have him in our team.”

Maya Yoshida stands to benefit from the injury problems having been used as a sub in the last couple of games at centre half and is hoping for a start tonight.

“Maya was starting the season,” said Koeman.

“He played the first four, five or six games maybe, and he did it well.

“But after when Toby came, Toby was playing and Maya was two weeks injured and didn’t play. It’s not always bad to have international players and it was good for him to play two games for Japan because he needs that rhythm of 90 minutes and now he has the possibility to play again.

“He did well against City and against Arsenal.

“The other option we have is Florin Gardos and in that position we have good options.”

Koeman also had praise for Fraser Forster after his outstanding performance in the last game against Arsenal, even if the match did end in a second defeat on the bounce for Saints.

“He’s one of the best,” insisted Koeman.

“For something he is the second or the third goalkeeper of England and of course if you pay that amount for a goalkeeper that means a lot because we are very happy to have Fraser and for the next seasons in the team.

“It’s an important position in the team and we know his qualities.

“He’s still 26 or 27 and that means nothing for a goalkeeper because the best years are still to come.”