MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted summer signing Ibrahima Diallo will show differences in his game to Oriol Romeu but added: “In the end it’s about him to show up.”

France under-21 international Diallo, a £12million summer signing from Brest, is expected to replace suspended Spaniard Romeu in the heart of Saints’ midfield at Fulham on Boxing Day.

Should he feature against the Cottagers, it would be the Tours-born star’s first Premier League start.

Comparing Diallo to Romeu, Hasenhuttl said: “There is always a difference between the players.

“He doesn’t have to play like Oriol but he must understand the work and what is necessary for us to do.

“Especially against the ball, being there where you can win balls. I think he is aggressive there and with the ball, he has some good decisions.

“It’s a different player than Ori, no question but I think he is waiting for his chance. It will change the game a little bit but in the end it’s about him to show up.”