Ronald Koeman was happy with £12m man Gaston Ramirez, describing his first Saints start in 18 months as “positive.”

The one time record signing has come in from the cold in recent weeks, and was handed a start for the club for the first time since April 2014 as Saints defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in the Capital One Cup at St Mary’s.

Ramirez lasted until 69 minutes before he was replaced, which Koeman was happy with after so long out for the Uruguayan.

Overall the manager was happy with the contribution of Ramirez, who has plenty to prove in the final year of his contract.

“Positive,” said Koeman of Ramirez’s display in the win at St Mary’s.

“I think he played from the right side and he needs space to come inside and it was difficult in the first half for him.

“He played more wide in the second half and you know if you don’t play a lot then 90 minutes at this moment is maybe too much.

“He was one of the team and that was very positive.”

Koeman made few changes to the Saints side for the Capital One Cup last season as the club reached the quarter-finals, but made seven last night.

It is a sign of the depth Saints have added to their squad that he was able to do that – even without the suspended Sadio Mane and injured duo Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez – and was still able to beat Premier League opposition.

Though Koeman was not satisfied with his side in the first half, he was very happy with the second 45 minutes and the result.

“Of course one of the reasons compared to last year when I did not so many changes in the team in this competition, we spoke about it and we signed more players and I think our squad is stronger in numbers in the level we need to play for Southampton,” said Koeman.

“That was the reason to change because I think some of them are working very hard doing everything every day to get an opportunity and pleased with the performance.

“I was not pleased with the first 45 minutes, I think it was too slow, our midfield in possession was not good, we had not really good pressing on the players of Aston Villa first half.

“Much better second half and total domination of the game second half and no opportunities for Aston Villa, maybe one shot and the penalty in the final minute.

“Good play, good performance second half.

“Two good goals and I think the second was great – pure quality of two players, Tadic and Pelle.

“Of course surprised by the first one because Maya is normally not a goalscorer but he did it well and if there is one player who deserved to play because he is always working hard and being a fantastic professional then it’s Maya.”