Saints reserve team coach Stewart Henderson believes that Nathan Dyer needs a full 90 minutes before he is ready for a first-team return.
Dyer made his comeback from an ankle injury during the 2-1 defeat of Brighton at a bitterly cold Staplewood last night.
It was the youngster's first appearance since December 30, when the winger suffered ankle ligament damage following a crunching challenge from Danny Tiatto during the win against Leicester City at St Mary's.
Last night he played a peripheral role on the left flank during a good first-half Saints performance, but made little impact before being replaced by Josh Dutton-Black at half time.
Henderson reckons the 19-year-old needs another run out before he is ready for the first team.
He said: "The game plan was always to limit Nathan to 45 minutes.
"He only trained for the first time on Monday and Tuesday so it was a bit too early to play him for the full 90 minutes".
Full story in today's Daily Echo
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article