BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl stressed how important it was to have players like Shane Long ready to step in and help the side.

Veteran striker Long has featured heavily in Saints’ previous two games, grabbing a first goal for Saints in almost two years with his winner away at Swansea.

Whilst multiple Saints players have stressed how important Long is off the pitch, Hasenhuttl stated how strongly he felt about having Long as depth.

When asked if he was pleased for Long after ending his drought for Saints, Hasenhuttl said: “Absolutely. This is what I said in the summer.

“We need every player this season, every player is important for us.

“Especially now, in this COVID situation we are in, we need every player.”

With clubs enjoying the ability to make five subs in the FA Cup, it appeared the cohort of youngsters Saints brought with them to south Wales would have the chance to make an impact off the bench.

Dynel Simeu, Kgaogelo Chauke and Kazeem Olaigbe spent most of the game warming up down the touchline, with a view of coming on.

However, Yan Valery’s dismissal forced Saints into a different game plan, with Hasenhuttl hinting that we would have seen a handful of youngsters brought on if Saints had remained with 11 men.

“I knew that I would (make) the five subs today, but then I (made) four subs,” continued the Austrian.

“It’s important to have fresh players outside, the young lads.

“As you see, we have so many missing players at the moment with COVID cases and injuries, so it was necessary to have alternatives on the bench.”

With Saints progressing to the next round, a kind draw could potentially see another chance for the youngsters to make their mark.