RALPH Hasenhuttl insisted Will Smallbone “shows us in every session that he is a very good footballer” after another stop-start season through injury.

The 22-year-old Saints academy graduate has only featured sporadically this campaign, making his third Premier League appearance as a substitute during the 6-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out.

Smallbone was introduced for the final 20 minutes with his side already six down and could do little to change the match’s outlook for the St Mary’s faithful.

That appearance followed a tricky afternoon during the 2-1 loss to Watford before the international break, in which he travelled with Republic of Ireland under-21s, after Hasenhuttl opted to use the youngster in an experimental forward position.

Daily Echo: Popular Saints youngster Will Smallbone has battled misfortune through his fledgling career (Pic: Stuart Martin)Popular Saints youngster Will Smallbone has battled misfortune through his fledgling career (Pic: Stuart Martin)

The midfielder operated in a false nine style role, but failed to make any impact on the game and was hooked at half-time – although Saints failed to register an equalising goal after the break, anyway.

Having recovered from two serious injuries over the last two years and another calf concern this season, it is understandable that Smallbone is struggling to exhibit his best possible football.

"He shows us in every session that he is a very good footballer,” Hasenhuttl reiterated. “And I think on the ten (position) when he came on last time, he had some good ball wins.

“I think we have a good young group and he is part of it, and when he stays fit, which has been the issue with a lot of injuries in the past, then I think when he stays fit for a longer period, we can expect a few good steps forward.”

Smallbone made a return to the first-team squad for the first time in 10 months for the EFL Cup clash playing centrally at Stamford Bridge, back in October.

He has since played a defensive midfield role for the B team in Premier League 2 under-23 competition, and been used as a winger in Hasenhuttl’s 4-2-2-2 system.

On nailing down his best role, Hasenhuttl added that it is not so simple: “Eight, ten, six, I think these are all positions he can play normally, and where he will get the chance to play in the future.

"I think it is important for us to go as strong as possible for the targets we have (this season),” he continued, though.

“And we still have these targets. And when he is strong enough, he will get the chance to do it. When he is not, then he will not be there."