SAINTS star Joe Aribo praised debutant Sekou Mara’s “massive” impact after the 20-year-old marked his first Premier League appearance with a match-saving moment.

The French under-21 international was introduced with 20 minutes to go during the eventual 2-2 draw with Leeds United on Saturday, with his side two goals down.

Nigeria ace Aribo, 26, who also arrived at Saints this summer as one of six current additions, scored to halve the deficit before Mara’s superb individual skill and assist for Kyle Walker-Peters.

The England full-back was slipped in by a defence-splitting no-look pass from Mara, and could finish across the Whites’ goalkeeper with just over five minutes left of the contest.

Aribo, speaking at the end of pre-season, admitted he knew he had to step up – despite being the “shyer” player at previous clubs – with four of the new boys 20-years-old or younger.

“Massive impact, terrific ball from him to set up Kyle,” Aribo told the Daily Echo, asked what he made of the former Bordeaux starlet’s performance.

“That’s what you need in a team, you need quality in the final third and that’s what football is about.

“Football is about moments and that’s what he has done, stepped up and Kyle has got a goal from the assist today.”

Mara could feature again for Saints when they visit Leicester City on Saturday, August 20 (3PM) – Ralph Hasenhuttl could give him a first start.

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