Mark Hughes praised Saints debutant Danny Ings and said he gave fans a glimpse of what they can expect from him.

Ings, a very late deadline day signing, was introduced 11 minutes into the second half with Saints struggling in their Premier League opener against Burnley at St Mary’s.

He made a huge difference to the side, who also changed formation at that stage, and really wrestled the game back Saints’ way, albeit in the end they had to settle for a goalless draw.

It certainly left fans excited about the new man, a born and bred Saints supporter, who has joined on loan from Liverpool ahead of a permanent £16m deal next summer.

Hughes said: “I was a little bit reluctant to throw him on so soon because I felt he was fit to play a part but when I looked back at the pre-season he’s had he hadn’t had a lot of time on the grass so I didn’t want to put him too much at risk.

“I have to say when he came on he looked fresh as a daisy.

“He got on the ball, on the half turn and got between the lines and gave us a glimpse of what he will bring to the party.

“We were pleased with the glimpse he gave us of what he’s going to bring to the party.

“It might have been a penalty at the end when he just got in front of the lad and the lad’s gone over on his ankle. I am sure they have been given sometimes and other times they haven’t.

“I was pleased with his contribution and Moi Eloyounoussi came on to good effect as well and we saw a glimpse of the talent he has.

“Overall I am relatively pleased, albeit you always prefer to win your first home game, but a point and a clean sheet is the next best thing.”

It was the mobility and movement that Ings gave to Saints that really aided their cause.

Once he was on the field Burnley didn’t look at all comfortable at the back and his presence also helped create space for others too.

“The players are quick in mind an actions and they shift the ball quickly,” reflected Hughes.

“Nathan Redmond has a similar ability to do that and Mario Lemina was good today. Certainly second half he was driving the game.

“There is working to be done clearly and we are nowhere near where we will be come the middle of the season but I am happy enough with the first performance.”