JOSH Sims is confident his chance in Claude Puel’s first team will come if he continues to play like he did last night.

The England youth international, 19, set up all the goals in Saints U23s’ 4-0 Checkatrade Trophy win against League Two Crawley Town.

Now he is hoping to boost his first-team chances by continuing last night’s scintillating form.

He said: “The first-team staff always watch our games which is good for us, it shows the manager cares.

“You block that out but you know that if you perform you’re going to get a chance. He (Puel) is always around the training ground and I’ve trained a couple of times with them.

“I’ve just got to continue my performances and if I impress my chance will come.”

Sims rated the last of his four assists for Olufela Olomola, a mesmerising piece of skill and pinpoint cross converted with a clinical volley, as his best of the night.

“It was a bit of skill in the corner and I was delighted to see it go in - I was happy for everyone who got on the end of my assists,” he said.

“I was happy with my own performance but I can’t do it on my own. There were other players who did very well.”

Saints were 2-0 up after only ten minutes.

“I don’t think they expected the start we gave them,” continued Yeovil-born Sims, whose parents made the trip from the west country for last night’s game.

“We showed we’re not afraid to play against men’s teams.

“It shows how far we’ve come as a team. It’s completely different challenge to U23 football, we’re up against men who have all played league football so it’s a completely different experience.

“You tend to find players are a lot more clever and streetwise.

“It helps us improve as players against that sort of opposition.

“This was as good a team performance as I’ve played in because we maintained it throughout the game.

“We were clinical in both boxes, keeping a clean sheet as well. With Harrison Reed [and Jake Hesketh] injured and Jack Stephens with England [U21s], we had a really young side which makes it even better.

“Everyone stepped up to the plate and did really well.”