SAINTS manager Ruben Selles revealed January signing James Bree has been good in the dressing room and asserted he deserves future opportunities.

Former Luton Town defender Bree, 25, arrived at St Mary’s from the Hatters under former boss Nathan Jones in the last transfer window.

Having been one of the top right-sided players in the Championship, Bree had only featured once following Jones’s sacking – prior to Sunday.

Bree came in for his first start under Selles in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, lasting 77 minutes before making way for Tino Livramento.

Kyle Walker-Peters is among those likely to leave the club due to relegation from the Premier League and it could pave the way for Livramento and Bree.

Asked if he can be an important player next season, Selles told the Daily Echo: “I think he is a robust player and has been through a hard period in Southampton.

“We didn't select him too much for the games, but he has been professional from the first minute, he did his job.”

The Spaniard added: “He has been a good player in the dressing room and he got his opportunity and he deserves that in the future.”

Bree cost merely a six-figure fee to attain from Championship Luton due to his contract winding down and could prove to be a shrewd bit of business.

Under Jones, Bree made his club debut just days after signing in the EFL Cup semi-final defeat at Newcastle United.