Ralph Hasenhuttl had an impromptu meeting with Gareth Southgate during the international break.

Hasenhuttl met the England boss at an under-21s game and the pair went on to discuss James Ward-Prowse and Saints’ desire to bring through young English talent.

Southgate made an impression on Hasenhuttl who liked what he had to hear from the Three Lions manager who went on to give Ward-Prowse another cap.

He said: “I spoke with Prowsey and he was very happy about playing for England and he had a good time.

“I met Gareth Southgate at the under-21 game between England and Germany and spoke with him and he is a very sympathetic colleague I think. A good speech.

“He was very open minded and told me what to expect from Prowsey and how happy he is we give young English players the chance to play in Southampton and that’s why he is often here in our stadium.

“It is a big signal for the team and the club that a player like Prowsey is a part of the England national team.

“I will tell him if we have the chance to develop these young players we will do it and if we can help him sending good players then he will be happy but the most important thing is that Prowsey knows that to be part of England then he must have good performances in Southampton.

“He is a fantastically professional guy and came back and trained with the team and showed immediately he is full of self-confidence and wants to continue his good form.”