RALPH Hasenhuttl was encouraged by Stuart Armstrong's performance in a deeper midfield role at Everton, describing him as "the engine of our game".

With Oriol Romeu and Will Smallbone ruled out for the remainder of the season after surgery and Ibrahima Diallo also absent at Goodison Park due to injury, Armstrong was deployed alongside James Ward-Prowse in central midfield.

The Scot usually features in a more advanced role, but Hasenhuttl was pleased with what he saw from Armstrong against Everton, despite the 1-0 defeat.

"For me the most important thing from Monday is I see Stuey can play at six," said the boss.

"It was a good game from him. In the second half he was the engine of our game.

"He tried to speed up the game. He was definitely one of the better players on the pitch I must say."

He continued: "It was important for me to see that we have an alternative in this position, and a good one. On the 10 we have a few more options."

Nathan Redmond and Moussa Djenepo started in the advanced 'number 10' roles at Goodison Park.

And with both Theo Walcott and Takumi Minamino part of a lengthy injury list at Saints, Hasenhuttl was forced to turn to youngsters from the bench on Monday, with Nathan Tella, Dan N'Lundulu and Caleb Watts introduced.

"The young lads are coming in, they did a good job on Monday," said Hasenhuttl.

"Nathan Tella is on a good way I think. He shows some energy when he comes in and Dan N’Lundulu also was okay.

"These are the players we have to sub at the moment."