RALPH Hasenhuttl has declared “there is no reason why” star defender Kyle Walker-Peters cannot continue excelling for Saints.

The 24-year-old versatile full-back was the standout performer, along with Stuart Armstrong, in an otherwise flat Saints team during the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

It was Walker-Peters’ cross which led to the opening goal, while the former Spurs man had gained national plaudits for his performances on both sides of Hasenhuttl’s defence.

He could even be in line for a debut England call-up this month, if Gareth Southgate opts to select the under-20 World Cup winner.

Asked if he can continue excelling this campaign, Hasenhuttl responded: “For sure, there is no reason why he cannot.

“He’s definitely a player that gives you on his position some exceptional moves and creates chances also. I think he’s a very important part of our game at the moment.

“As we always say, it’s not enough to be around the box, you must also find the right player.

"Against teams like Newcastle, it’s always hard because we have to invest everything.”

He continued: “They don’t give you any ball wins. We had a few ball wins and immediately big chances.

“But it’s a way to do it and we have found solutions to this in the past, we have been dominating them and finding solutions in the box like we did the first goal, it was a beautiful goal.

“This is why we have to look, we lost the game but I can see that the team is still trying to find the right moments to play deep.

“The quality of the chances against a deep defending team are not the same quality as when you win balls and everything is unorganised. Normally, these are the better chances.”