MANAGER Russell Martin credited Tyler Dibling's "brilliant attitude" as he set out the debuting youngster's biggest challenge.

Dibling, 17, made his league debut as a late substitute in Southampton's 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

It followed the midfielder's senior debut from the bench as Martin's side also beat Walsall 4-0 at St Mary's in the FA Cup a week prior.

The academy starlet, who joined Saints when he was in primary school, recently penned a new contract keeping him at the club to at least 2026.

Asked about Dibling's performance and development, Martin told the Daily Echo: "He's ready, otherwise he wouldn't get on the pitch.

Daily Echo: Saints manager Russell Martin backs Championship debutant Tyler DiblingSaints manager Russell Martin backs Championship debutant Tyler Dibling (Image: Stuart Martin)

"He can do special things and physically he is very good but I don't want to build him up too much because he is only 17.

"The challenge for Tyler will be now and until he establishes himself in the team, which I hope he does here under us.

"It is to get up to speed with the intensity of the game. He can already play a few different positions.

"But it is everything we speak about with Adam Armstrong out of possession, running for other people and all that stuff.

"It is about getting him to the point where he does that relentlessly. It is not about attitude - he has a brilliant attitude - it is understanding.

"It is about getting into the first team. He is one of three young lads we had on the bench and they are talented, they train with us every day.

"They are really exciting for the future of the club. They are so young," the boss concluded.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Jayden Meghoma, both also 17, were unused substitites after starting against Walsall last time out.

Martin was also in attendance to take in Southampton's under-21s take on 100 per cent record Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League 2.

Spurs were eventual 3-2 winners but Adam Asghar's young side featured two 15 year old's making debuts and first starts.

Harrison Miles and Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez - who scored his first goal - were among the youngsters who shone at Snows Stadium.

Martin continued: "I watched and Harrison is a brilliant footballer at 15. I enjoy watching Jayden Moore play and they train with us a lot.

"We have some talented boys and it is up to us to develop that talent. Jason (Wilcox) was head of the academy at one the best in the world.

"He has brought in Andy (Goldie) to oversee it for us here and we want to get them to a point where they can help us."