RALPH Hasenhuttl stated that the game with Wolves was "not really the moment" for Kyle Walker-Peters, with the Austrian opting to keep Nathan Tella at right-wing back.

Walker-Peters had been unavailable for Saints for the past two games due to a combination of COVID and suspension, with the former Spurs man returning to the match-day squad, being named amongst Hasenhuttl’s available replacements.

With Wolves’ defensive prowess in mind, the 54-year-old offered a bit of insight into the reasoning for keeping Tella in the side.

Hasenhuttl said: “It's tough. I mean, this is a defensively, especially physically very strong side and it's not so easy there.

“Today was not really the moment to do bringing him on because we play a different shape in the beginning with the wingers high and wide.

“So it was okay, but I'm happy that he's back and he will train our next week and then we have a look.”

Tella and Saints started brightly, with the 22-year-old enjoying some success down the right-hand flank in the early stages of the game. However, once Wolves took control of proceedings, Tella’s effectiveness waned. Hasenhuttl called for patience with the youngster, stating: “He had some good moments, I must say the big chance, which was offside I think.

“We must make this chances and if you, if you don't make this chances against this team, it's tough.

“I don't expect him to play at the stars from the sky every day.

“This is not possible for a young player, but I'm happy with his development. For him, it’s the future.”

The close-range miss in the first-half wouldn’t have counted if it did go in, with Tella’s blushes spared by the assistant’s flag being raised. However, Hasenhuttl did admit that Tella’s lack of goal contributions in the league needed improvement.

“Yes, we always find offensive play important. When you create something and score goals or assists it is important.”