SAINTS manager Russell Martin is careful not to hype up a young player too much but admitted Sam Amo-Ameyaw has been a “beautiful surprise”.

The academy forward only turned 17 years old just last week but he has signed his first professional contract at Staplewood.

England youth international Amo-Ameyaw, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, has already stood out amongst the seniors throughout pre-season.

He impressed versus both Goztepe in Turkey and League One Reading when Martin’s side landed back on home soil and recorded a 4-2 win.

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Speaking after that victory at Select Car Leasing Stadium, Martin combined caution and excitement when asked about the talented teenager.

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“You’ve got to be really careful with young players but he’s an exceptional talent,” the boss told the Daily Echo.

“He’s a really exciting player and a great kid. He was 17 a few days ago and he’s signed his first professional contract.

“There’s a real edge to him on the pitch. he’s got a real pitch personality for someone so young. I think the other players really respect his ability and attitude to work.”

Martin added: “We can be excited about him but we can also understand that he is very, very young and he has a lot of work to do.

“For his age, he’s been a beautiful surprise for us in terms of what he can produce. It’s up to us to make him ready for the first team regularly as quickly as possible.”

Amo-Ameyaw could be involved with the squad again when Saints host Premier League AFC Bournemouth and Dutch top division outfit AZ Alkmaar in a final pair of friendlies this week.