TINO Livramento admits it is surreal to be playing with one his lifelong best friends in Armando Broja at Saints, insisting: “I know what he is about, he is going to keep scoring.”

The pairing arrived at St Mary’s this summer as teenagers – having spent nearly a decade together developing in the Chelsea academy – albeit Broja at Saints only on a temporary basis.

After the now 20-year-old striker spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands, Livramento didn’t get to see much of Broja as it was but almost certainly wouldn’t have expected to be training together week-in, week-out on the south coast.

Livramento, a permanent Saints acquisition, was immediately thrust into the Premier League spotlight starting every game and achieving national acclaim with a televised performance against Manchester United, while Chelsea loanee Broja has had to be more patient.

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But now it’s no surprise to Livramento that his friend has seized his chance with two goals in his first two starts.

Daily Echo: Armando Broja scored his second Premier League goal against Burnley at the weekend (Pic: PA)Armando Broja scored his second Premier League goal against Burnley at the weekend (Pic: PA)

“He had to wait a little bit, he was patient, working hard in training,” Livramento told the Daily Echo, “but he learnt.

“I’ve known him since the age of nine, I know what he is about and I knew that when he got the opportunity he would take it.”

He continued: “I’m looking forward to continuing to link up with him when we can and helping the team to more points.”

After making an impact from the bench, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl had challenged Broja to be more invested, fulfilling the team’s pressing targets.

“It’s never been a problem with his attitude or anything,” Livramento added, "he’s a great guy and he’s taking his opportunity with both hands. It’s going to continue and he’s going to keep scoring.

“I’m really happy for him that he’s showing it on the biggest stages. It’s a bit surreal, both having grown up at Chelsea, in the youth groups together.

“As soon as I saw him coming on loan here I knew it was going to be great to play together and I’m just enjoying, like he is, every minute.”