RALPH Hasenhuttl is looking forward to Ryan Bertran's return.

The defender hasn’t been seen since the 1-1 draw with Watford back in November following a minor back operation. 

Hasenhuttl said: “I hope he’ll be back as soon as possible because he is one of the players that I haven’t seen.

“I know that he is a very good player and that he’s one of the best at left back.

“It will be important he gets fit again very quickly because we need him.”

The Austrian previously revealed that he’s been sending Bertrand videos of his training sessions and is expecting him to get a quick understanding of Saints’ new style of play. 

Hasenhuttl added: “As soon as he is in the team, he will get a first impression about what we demand in that position.

“He has been watching how we play and how we want to defend. 

“Sometimes it’s very offensive orientated with high pressing and you have to know exactly what you should be doing. He’s a smart guy and I hope I can bring this stuff to his mind as soon as possible.”