RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted Gavin Bazunu being young for a Premier League goalkeeper is “the fact” but insisted Saints are “keen” to show that courage.

The £12million+ summer signing from Manchester City is a full Republic of Ireland international and has performed well in tests during pre-season.

However, he is still only 20-years-old – despite looking to dethrone experienced Alex McCarthy, 32, for the number one shirt this campaign.

Bazunu has been working with goalkeeping coach Andrew Sparkes and veteran stopper Willy Caballero, and could be set to make a first Premier League start tomorrow.

Saints visit Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the league season with both Bazunu and 18-year-old Romeo Lavia looking to replicate Tino Livramento’s immediate impact last campaign.

“Yeah, this is the fact, but you know our history,” Hasenhuttl said, when asked if Bazunu is a little young to be a number one in the top-flight.

“We are keen to give young players a chance to make their first steps in the PL. This is what we did in the last years.”

Bazunu has made three appearances in pre-season for Saints, playing 45 minutes and 90 minutes with no concession versus RB Leipzig and Watford.

The former Shamrock Rovers prodigy also played 90 minutes of the final clash, when Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal defeated Saints 2-1.

“We know what you have to expect from them, a lot of talent and effort and in some moments maybe some mistakes to learn from to get better,” the boss added.

“That maybe costs sometimes in terms of total performance if you want, but for us we were keen to do this in the past and we're keen to do it again in the future also.”

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