Ralph Hasenhuttl was picking the positives from his side’s disappointing 2-2 FA Cup draw with Derby – and citied running down Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s ban as a piece of good news.

Hojbjerg is two matches into a four-game suspension and was due to be out for an entire calendar month.

However, he will now serve his last two games against Leicester and the third round replay with Derby meaning he will be available again for the St Mary’s clash with Everton on January 19.

“The only good thing is that Pierre Hojbjerg has one chance more to play in the Premier League. That is the only good thing,” said Hasenhuttl after Derby came from two goals down to earn a St Mary’s replay.

“We didn’t want this game and we wanted to go through directly and we gave it away so we have to do it again but with more concertation and more passion until the end.”

Another positive for the Saints boss was the two goals from Nathan Redmond.

“I am happy with him because he works very hard at the moment and that’s why he earns maybe more goals and more assists,” reflected Hasenhuttl.

“He is coming back to a very good shape now and is an important player for us.

“We have a few injury problems with our forwards.

“Danny Ings is injured for two weeks and that’s the reason he couldn’t play and Stuie Armstrong I gave a rest to and he couldn’t play as he has problem with his ankle also.

“It’s important Reddie shows he is the guy who can decide games for us and he did, nearly, he had two goals and a chance for another one with a difficult angle but he could score.

“I think he showed his technical with the ball is fantastic, good movements and very hard to catch for the opponent.

“The only thing that was missing the last month was the final action – the final pass, the final shoot on the goal. That part he showed now he also has quality in this part.

“Sure a little bit of luck with the first goal with the opponent making the ball in the goal but for me he’s one of the most important players in attacking and he’s hard working against the ball which is important for me because it’s the main part of our game.”