JAN Bednarek believes teammate Armando Broja is "getting better and better" during his loan spell at Saints, adding: "It's a bright future in front of him."

After a slow start, Broja has impressed since joining Saints on loan from Chelsea.

The Albania international scored twice on his debut for the club, in an 8-0 win at Newport County in the Carabao Cup.

But the 20-year-old was mainly reduced to substitute appearances during his early months in the Premier League, before finally being handed a start against Leeds United in October.

Broja grabbed his chance, scoring the only goal of the contest at St Mary's.

He has since featured regularly from the off for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side, scoring in draws against Burnley, Brighton and Crystal Palace.

His all-round centre-forward play has also been commended, and centre-back Bednarek was full of praise for the youngster.

"He’s a great player, he’s learning very quickly," the Poland international told the Daily Echo.

"He had a difficult start to the season where he had to adjust and adapt to the Premier League, it’s a different intensity.

"But he did it very well and we can see with each game he’s getting better and better and it’s a bright future in front of him."

Prior to joining Saints, Broja spent time on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland.

He made his only senior Chelsea appearance to date as a late substitute against Everton in the Premier League in March 2020.