SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has backed Angus Gunn to have a "big future" in football.

Gunn signed for the club last summer for £13.5 million from Manchester City and had to remain patient for his first chance.

It wasn't until January that he made his Premier League debut against Chelsea in a goalless draw.

During that game Gunn made a record six saves against the Stamford Bridge side to ensure Saints left with a point.

The 23-year-old's dad, Bryan, was also a professional goalkeeper who played for Norwich and Scotland.

And this is why Hasenhuttl thinks his shot-stopper could be destined for big things in the game.

Speaking to the official Premier League website, the Saints boss said: "Because of his history, maybe also because of his family, he has the goalkeeper blood in him.

"He deserved to play because he was working hard in the training sessions. If he stays developing his game and if he stays working on his weaknesses, he has a big future as a goalkeeper."

Gunn capped off a breakthrough season with a call-up to the England Under-21s for their Euro 2019 tournament.

The competition doesn't get underway until 18 June when they will play France in their opening group game.

Gunn will be looking to go one better this time, as even though he was selected for the 2017 tournament, he was an unused substitute.