MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl praised Saints youngsters Ryan Finnigan and Oludare Olufunwa and added: “They are getting stronger every day.”

The pair have been working with the St Mary’s side’s first team during their pre-season trip to Wales and came off the bench during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Swansea.

Central midfielder Finnigan replaced Stuart Armstrong after 73 minutes at Liberty Stadium, while defender Olufunwa came on for Jan Bednarek for the final nine minutes.

Asked about the young duo’s integration into the first team, Hasenhuttl replied: “Very good, I must say they are getting stronger every day and when we are working together, it’s good for them to be with the first team.

“It’s good for them to learn quick and always a fantastic opportunity for the young lads to be part of the game.”

The pair could be involved when Saints host La Liga sides Levante and Athletic Bilbao at St Mary’s this week.