Ronald Koeman believes Eljero Elia is already reaping the awards of increased discipline as he fired Saints to victory at Newcastle.

The Dutch winger, left, put in a superb display at St James’ Park, which included both of the Saints goals in a 2-1 win.

Elia joined Saints on loan from Werder Bremen earlier this month with a reputation on and off the pitch, but Koeman believes he merely needs the right management and to apply himself and he is a world class player.

Koeman said: “Of course (I am happy with Elia), and not only about today. How Elia is doing I am very happy about that.

“I said before sometimes I was asking myself the question ‘what happened to Elia’ because he played the World Cup finals.

“I think one is he needs confidence of the coach. Second is he needs a position out of his qualities and how he played today is the best position for him.

“He’s fast, he’s strong and he was very sharp inside and outside the box and made two fantastic goals.”

He added: “He’s not a young player, the player is already 27.

“If he keeps his concentration to football, and if he doesn’t do that I have to say something to him.

“I think the player is doing well, the player is showing a lot of discipline and he’s happy to be in Southampton and he showed that on the pitch.”

Saints’ result at Newcastle was made all the more special by the fact they were missing so many key players.

Toby AlderweireldMorgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama were all sidelined by injury while the likes of Sadio Mane and Maya Yoshida are away on international duty.

“I think the difference is that we have young players, we have young, talented players,” reflected Koeman.

“The team is playing out of a good organisation and for them that is a help.

“If they get the opportunity they play well, they have confidence, and we have confidence in the young players.

“It’s not difficult then for them because the team is confident, is playing out of a good organisation and then it’s more easy to come into the team.

“Of course, the win against Man United, the win against Ipswich gave the players confidence and they showed that.”