NIGEL Adkins praised the display of Brazilian striker Guly do Prado in Saints’ brilliant 6-0 win over Oldham at Boundary Park last night.

Do Prado popped up with a goal in a committed all round performance with his partnership with Rickie Lambert really taking off.

Adkins was delighted with what he saw from the 29-year-old who is playing for a permanent move when his loan spell ends in just under a fortnight.

“One of the biggest things was in the 94th minute Guly do Prado was running back trying to get the ball back,” said Adkins.

“That was one of the things we have highlighted – we do loads of VT stuff and highlight things – and that mentality is there now and he realises that.

“We want people to work hard, he did it, and he was a giant, as were a few players.”

He added: “He’s got fitter and strong and understands what we want.

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“We are sitting down with him and explaining what we need from him.

“He’s got undoubted ability but he’s got fit and got a great understanding and relationship with Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Barnard who came on and scored a goal.

“Over the course of the game we were able to change our shape and that’s pleasing as well.”

The January transfer window is still rolling on with no exits from St Mary’s but also no new signings – though on the evidence of last night the squad looks pretty strong already, even there is still the feeling it could do with a bit of strengthening.

“We have a group of players who want to be involved and want to be part of it,” said Adkins.

“Adam Lallana has signed a long term contact, the vision’s in place and you look at Guly, Lambert, Barnard, Jose and Radhi who were outstanding at the back. The mentality is right and everyone wants to be part of it.

“The wheels are in motion and everyone wants to be on the bus.”

Jason Puncheon was not in the squad but Adkins insisted it was simply because he was ill.

“He was ill. He called in Sunday and was ill, legitimately so,”

reported Adkins.

“He saw the club doctor on Monday morning, we had a conversation about, he wasn’t fit to travel so I made a call. End of story, “We move on and he’s expected back on Thursday like everyone else.”