HISTORY MAKER Michael Obafemi has declared: I’m just thankful to be here.

The 18-year-old academy graduate became Saints’ youngest ever Premier League goalscorer beating a record held since 2004 by Dexter Blackstock.

And after making his debut against Tottenham back in January, the striker was thrilled to get his name on the scoresheet for the first time.

Obafemi, who is pushing to play a role as Saints take on West Ham tonight, said: “I’m lost for words, I’m delighted.

“I’m just thankful to be here, it’s always been a dream of mine since being a little kid.

“I made my debut at the start of the year against Tottenham and I’ve come a long way.

“I found out I’m the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer for Southampton, I really am just delighted and thankful to Redders [Nathan Redmond] for giving me the assist.

“I think this is the beginning of my career now. I got my first goal, finally, and hopefully I can get some more.”

“I knew I’d score eventually because I’ve always believed in myself. I’m thankful to the other lads and coach for believing in me as well.”

Since Ralph Hasenhutt’s arrival, there has been a notable change in Saints’ style of play.

The attackers relentlessly press the opposition’s defence and don’t afford them a minute’s rest throughout the match.

This is something that suits Obafemi down to the ground.

His pace can cause all sorts of chaos at the back and he admitted that Hasenhutt’s philosophy is something he has become accustomed to since his academy days.

“We have a totally different system and you can see that it’s working,” Obafemi added.

“In the last two games we played, we were fantastic and got maximum points.

“Since the under-18’s, to all the way up, my game has always been pressing and that’s what he has brought into the side.

“There is a lot of pressing and making sure the opposition don’t have a lot of time on the ball.

Obafemi is the latest prospect to come from Saints’ academy and Hasenhuttl seems to be keen to give more youngster a chance in the first team.

Yan Valery has been filling in at right-back in Cedric’s absence whilst Tyreke Johnson and Kayne Ramsay have been surprising inclusions on the Austrian’s bench in recent weeks.

Obafemi believes this is proof that things are going in a positive direction with the youth setup at Staplewood.

“Things are going the right way,” Obafemi explained.

“I’ve been here a few years and, obviously, Poch [Mauricio Pochettino] brought in a few youngsters.

“It’s good that he [Hasenhuttl] is bringing in youngsters as well.”