GARY Johnson heaped praise on Saints under-21 side after they beat Torquay United 3-1 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

A brace from Princewill Ehibhatiomhan and a goal from Tyler Dibling sealed the win over the Vanarama National League South side.

The youthful Saints side contained, overseen by Lee Skyrme, included seven players aged 18 or younger.

Speaking to The Gull's media team after the game, Johnson praised Southampton's youngsters.

The former Bristol City manager said: “They were a good footballing team that had good movement (and) that youthful game where they were passing and moving.

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“If you don’t shut them down as a group then one of them will get out.

"They had quite a few chances where they were in our box and we had to throw ourselves in front of things and the keeper had to make saves.

“They had more than us, as in good chances, but we did create some chances.

The 67 year old continued: “We will learn from this game. I don’t think there will be too many conference south sides that play like that and get away with it.

“They had some quality, especially up front, and they were very clever in their play.

“We had to do a lot of running today to shut them down, or to try and shut them down.”

Southampton's under-21s side is currently being overseen by Skyrme as the club search for a new coaching staff following Dave Horesman’s departure to take over as Forest Green Rovers’ boss.

They are next in action against Nottingham Forest under-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly before the start of the Premier League 2 season.