Manolo Gabbiadini proved a point as he hit the goal trail in his first start in over a month.

Gabbiadini had been restricted to the sub’s bench for Saints’ three matches prior to yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle.

But when manager Mauricio Pellegrino turned to him he delivered the goods with his second and third goals of the season.

The first was an excellent solo effort, while the second was a coolly struck penalty which left the keeper with no chance.

Pellegrino said: “It is positive because the goal completes the striker’s job and at the same time we couldn’t help these two goals with a better performance.

“Hopefully next week we can improve in organisation and that is something where we have to better.”

Pellegrino started the game with Gabbiadini playing the number ten role in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Shane Long up top.

The two tried to interchange, with Gabbiadini breaking from deep to try and get beyond Long.

Pellegrino was happy with how the two worked together, and is hoping for even more from them in the future.

“Manolo is an important player for us,” admitted Pellegrino.

“I think Shane and Manolo were working really hard for the team. This is the important thing.

“Sometimes you have to know how to play this type of game.

“It is difficult to play always a game where always you can control everything – the ball, the action and the counter attack.

“I tell my players in the first half we have to be more direct and it’s something we are not used to doing.”

The goals should prove an important confidence booster for Gabbiadini.

The 25-year-old hit the ground running in some style after his signing in January, scoring six goals in five games.

However, he failed to net in his next eight appearances at the back end of the last campaign and then had bagged just one so far in this campaign, in the 3-2 win over West Ham.

Pellegrino said: “It’s positive for his confidence but for me the most important thing is he was working really hard and not just for him but for the team.”