RALPH Hasenhuttl declared the 2022-23 campaign would be the “most important” for striker Adam Armstrong, after he netted his second goal of pre-season.

The 25-year-old striker, signed for £15million from Blackburn Rovers last summer, fired the leveller for the St Mary’s side as they went on to seal a 3-1 home win over Monaco on Wednesday.

He also netted in defeat against RB Leipzig during the club’s pre-season trip to Austria earlier this month.

Armstrong scored twice in 28 appearances in all competitions for Saints last season, as he struggled for game time during the back end of the campaign.

Speaking about the frontman to the Daily Echo, Hasenhuttl said: “I think this is the most important season because when you are coming the first year it is always tough.

“This season he should get more chances to play and chances to score.”

Sticking with playing three central defenders for the clash with Monaco, Hasenhuttl was happy to see his side pick up their first victory in the friendly schedule.

He added: “Absolutely positive some things I have seen. This is what I ask from the players.

“If you know me as a manager or us as a staff team, we are always keen for seeing good performances or seeing players developing what we are asking for. Then everybody has a chance to play.

“Especially after the first games haven’t been so good I must say. We were finding a way to get a feel for this shape. It’s getting better and better but that doesn’t mean everything is perfect.

“We have worked hard on this new shape but we will still learn.”

Saints host Villarreal at St Mary’s on Saturday, before kicking off their competitive schedule at Tottenham on Saturday, August 6.

Asked whether he would stick with he same shape for their trip to Tottenham, the manager replied: “Yes, possible definitely. We worked the whole pre-season there, although last season we had a very good game there with the 4-2-2-2 against them. Let’s have a look.”

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