MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl challenged sidelined star Will Smallbone to work on his “physical deficits” while he recovered from a serious knee injury.

The Austrian boss revealed earlier this week Smallbone had suffered damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, when he was forced off against Leicester City last weekend.

Scans showed the Saints academy graduate could be out for up to six months with the injury.

But Hasenhuttl is keen for the 20-year-old to make the most of his spell out.

Speaking about Smallbone, he said: "It is the worst message you can get to be out for such a long time.

"I think he showed he wanted to play further and didn't want to step off, and this shows the willing he has and finally to step off is tough for him, but we will work with him.”

The manager added: "I think he should use the time now for working on his physical deficits he has. He has now time to work on his body.

"Such an injury can also be a chance for coming back stronger, because you work on the deficits you have. Sometimes these push backs are a good chance for making a bigger step forward."