Charlie Austin’s renewed determination in training convinced Mauricio Pellegrino to give him what proved to be a match winning start against Everton.

The striker hadn’t scored a goal from open play for 364 days before his double at St Mary’s helped Saints to an important 4-1 win over the Toffees.

While there had been a clamour for Austin to be involved for some weeks, Pellegrino had previously resisted.

Austin cut a frustrated figure due to his lack of opportunities, but Pellegrino revealed just what had changed.

Pellegrino said: “I chose another 11 and felt other team-mates were better for these occasions, but Charlie has been training much better in last few weeks. I felt this and I think he deserved his chance and did well and this is the most important for us.

“Sometimes when you are not playing you are a little bit disappointed and it’s something we have to learn when we have a squad of 25 players.

“It’s very difficult to keep going and training every single day when don’t play and only play once a week like now.

“Last season Southampton play Europa League and arrive to the Cup final, they are used to playing more games.

“Some were disappointed at beginning but now they realise that the team needs them and you have to take responsibility for yourself and be ready because you never know when the manager might say it’s your moment. You have to be ready.”

Pellegrino confirmed he had spoken with Austin about his lack of first team chances this season, and felt the time was right to give him a go against Everton.

“I spoke with most of them but when the manager chooses 11, that’s because I feel they’re the best on that day,” insisted Pellegrino.

“In football nothing is fixed. Next week it will change again but for the manager to manage the mentality of 25 players is not easy.

“You are happy when you are playing but the other 14 players you have to be behind them, support them.

“Most play in reserve games but training every week and maybe the opportunities is not coming is sometimes frustrating.”

Austin certainly put in the performance of a player who felt he had a point to prove to the manager, and two goals in six second half minutes underlined his value.

“When you have the opportunity you have to show why the manager gave you the opportunity,” reckoned the Saints boss.

“To be in Premier League, to be in Southampton, all have talent and quality. If not it’s impossible.

“To build a team is not easy.

“I want to feel from my players they are involved, they are committed in our values as a club and as a team and to translate to the people that we want to play with ambition and that’s something we want to translate.”