SAINTS boss Ivan Juric heaped praise on Will Smallbone but admitted the midfielder may not have the "physicality" required for the Premier League.

He insisted Smallbone, who scored his first Premier League goal against Liverpool last weekend, makes up for any deficiencies with "clever" thinking. 

The Republic of Ireland international was smart when capitalising on a Liverpool error and gave Saints an unlikely lead just before the break.

He remained composed after Virgil van Dijk and Alisson collided inside the box and rolled the ball past the Brazilian goalkeeper at the Kop End.

Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah scored in the second half to turn the game around for the league leaders but Juric still issued praise for Smallbone.

Will Smallbone celebrates alongside teammates at Liverpool.Will Smallbone celebrates alongside teammates at Liverpool.  (Image: Peter Byrne/PA) READ MORE: Spors on recruitment, manager and more in first interview

"I like Will, I have to say that I like the player," he told the Daily Echo. "He doesn't have the physicality maybe like a Premier League player, but he is clever.

"He knows good moments, he defends well with the ball, he is great. And even as a person, he is wonderful, he is great."

Saints players jubilantly celebrated with Smallbone, who has received stick from some supporters this season, following his account-opening strike.

The academy graduate was jeered off by the St Mary's crowd when Saints lost 3-1 to AFC Bournemouth last month but started two of the last three games.