MOUSSA Djenepo deserves credit for even making himself available to play on Saturday.

You could see just how distraught he was walking off the pitch and he must feel the weight of the world on his young shoulders.

Having recently lost his mother, getting sent off against Newcastle was the last thing he needed to be dealing with.

But that’s why it’s important he gets all the support he can.

This started when he headed towards the tunnel with his shirt hiding his face.

The St Mary’s faithful joined together in unison and belted out his name which would have provided with him some comfort.

It’s easy to get so consumed in football that you lose a sense of the bigger picture.

However, the St Mary’s crowd were excellent in realising he’s a 21-year-old, in Southampton on his own, grieving the loss of his mother.

After such a tragic event, everyone would have understood if he wanted to take a couple of weeks to process what happened.

But he didn’t do that.

He showed up to the club’s Staplewood base to offer his services, knowing Saints were dealing with a minor injury crisis in the No10 position.

And that should tell you everything there is to know about his attitude and commitment.

It’s also worth saying that his red card didn’t cost Saints three points.

Until Yan Valery’s defensive error, the south coast side looked as if they were going to earn a well-fought point.

A momentary lapse in concentration, coupled with making the wrong decision, is what led to Saints’ downfall.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl explained how playing football could prove to be an opportunity for Djenepo to forget about losing his mother, even if it was for just 90 minutes.

It’s no secret the amount of joy the Mali international brings behind the scenes.

Hasenhuttl and the players can’t get enough of his energetic ways, whether that’s smiling his way through training or dancing in the dressing room.

No one wants to see Djenepo suffering.

And that’s why it’s more important than ever everyone rallies behind the youngster at what will be an incredibly difficult time.