Martin Caceres has put himself in the race to win a full first team debut at Tottenham after announcing his Saints arrival with a stylish display and a clean sheet in front of an expectant St Mary’s.

The former Juventus and Barcelona defender played 90 minutes for the under-23s and produced a display of classy ball playing and strong leadership in a goalless draw Chelsea.

Caceres has joined Saints on a contract until the end of the season, and could figure at White Hart Lane a week on Sunday after coming through tonight's match in relative comfort, and with Claude Puel’s team having shipped five goals in their last two matches.

There was also a Saints bow for new keeper Mouez Hassen, as well as run-outs for the likes of Jay Rodriguez, Sofiane Boufal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as they fight for first team places.