SAINTS legend Jim McCalliog believes Stuart Armstrong will prove to be a bargain buy.

Midfielder Armstrong has not started a game since injury forced him off during the goalless draw against Burnley on the opening day of the season.

But 1976 FA Cup final hero McCalliog reckons his fellow Scotsman, a £7m buy from Celtic in the summer, is a snip at £7m.

“I like going to Celtic and Rangers matches so I’ve seen a lot of Stuart and, for me, at £7m I think he’s a bargain,” said the former Saints midfielder.

“He’s a big fit lad, he’s two footed and got a lot of ability on the ball that’s hopefully going to help Southampton.

“He’s dangerous at set pieces, he took a lot of corners at Celtic, so I can see him causing some real problems if Danny Ings is in there and big guys like Jannik Vestergaard.”

Hughes’ 4-4-2 formation has limited Armstrong’s game time but he played the last 35 minutes of the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.

“I think he’s better just behind the front man in the number ten position,” continued McCalliog, who is best known for setting up Bobby Stokes’ winning goal against his former club Manchester United in 1976.

“The game’s a lot quicker in the Premier League and guys coming down from Scotland can lose their fitness a little bit, especially if they’re not playing.

“But I’ve got great hopes for him, I think he’ll prove to be one of Southampton’s better buys.”

McCalliog is hoping for a mid-table finish after last season’s Great Escape.

“I think not to be involved in relegation would be a good season,” he said.

“Danny Ings is a good player who’s a level above what was there but I still think it’s going to come down to the spirit in the dressing room.

“If things are right in there you’ve got a good chance but if things go wrong it’s going to be a long season.

“When you’re under the cosh it’s hard to perform unless you’ve got big payers in your side who can show their confidence and get the rest of the team going. If everyone loses confidence you’re up against it.”

Meanwhile, McCalliog will be back in Southampton on November 8 when his events company hosts an ‘evening of football’ with Mick Channon and Matt Le Tissier at O2 Guildhall Southampton.

He said: “It’s a great chance for the supporters see and listen to two guys who the club was lucky to have in their prime.

“You couldn’t get two better role models than Mick or Matt, their football spoke for everything. They were both scorers of spectacular goals and great for Southampton Football Club. It was a great privilege to play with Mick.”

Tickets for the Legends of Football event are on sale from O2 Guildhall Southampton (023 80632601/ O2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk) at £35.95.

Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm.