RALPH Hasenhuttl promised his side to face Arsenal on Saturday will be "as strong as possible" after his youthful selection saw off Shrewsbury Town last night.

Hasenhuttl handed debuts to teenagers Kegs Chauke and Caleb Watts from the start against the League One side, with academy graduates Yan Valery, Jake Vokins and Dan N'Lundulu also named in a starting XI for the first time this season.

Goals from N'Lundulu and James Ward-Prowse sealed a 2-0 victory, to set up an FA Cup fourth-round home tie against the Gunners at the weekend.

Asked if he will recall some more of his experienced players and name a stronger side to face Arsenal, Hasenhuttl said: "As strong as possible. We know that it is a tough game, but hopefully also for them.

"This is the goal we have, to make it as difficult as possible."

Saints were missing nine first-team stars due to injury for the clash against Shrewsbury.

Quizzed on if any could be ready to return to take on Mikel Arteta's men, Hasenhuttl said: "Against Arsenal, from the beginning, it’s difficult to say.

"The closest is Ingsy (Danny Ings), sure, then Reddy (Nathan Redmond) and Ori (Romeu) come back, Moussa (Djenepo) a little bit later I think.

"We don’t want to hurry too much, but we know we have a lot of games coming up now.

"The sooner they are coming back the better it is, but the most important thing is if they come back that they stay fit because if it is too early then it is not good."

Saints face back-to-back games with Arsenal, also hosting them in the Premier League on Tuesday.