Rusk dubs Lallana 'unbelievable asset' in Southampton coaching role

Lallana, 36, has stepped into a coaching role at Saints following Ivan Juric's departure and will support Rusk for the final seven games.

Rusk, who took charge of two games while interim boss in December, believes Lallana's relationship with the dressing room will be a huge advantage for Southampton.

The former Saints under-21 boss has not sensed a change in Lallana, other than the colour of his training shirt.

"I'm really lucky to have Adam helping me out at the moment and stepping up. His experience speaks for itself," Rusk said on Thursday.

Adam Lallana ahead of Southampton's Premier League game against Crystal Palace. (Image: Adam Davy/PA) "The football experience he's had as a player at the very top, the trophies he's won, the environments he's been in.

"He's an unbelievable asset to have working with me, and we're already working really well on what we're doing.

"I'm incredibly grateful to have Adam's football wisdom alongside his personality. He's a super person for me to be able to rely on over the coming weeks."

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He continued: "Adam's a smart guy. He's got great relationships in the dressing room. There's a respect that he has from the players and from everyone in the building.

"Other than he is now wearing a grey training kit and not red, nothing will change. I think it's an advantage for us that he's got the feel of that dressing room.

"He's got the ear of that dressing room and the trust, more importantly. For someone like me in this situation, that's an incredible thing for me to be able to draw upon."

This is not Lallana's first time working as an interim coach, having previously assisted Andrew Crofts at Brighton, although they did not take charge of a game.

The former England international has also worked as a coach for England's under-21s, where he worked with the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Simon Rusk has been appointed Saints interim boss until the end of the season. (Image: Stuart Martin)

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Asked if Lallana has the potential to be a top manager in the future, Rusk said: "I think one thing is unquestionable: Adam's football knowledge and his enthusiasm for the game.

"Whether I see or Adam sees himself as a manager, that would be for him to touch on. Part of my roles in the past have been working with players who have recently retired.

"That will be another process for me to enjoy. It looks simple, putting the cones down sometimes, but even the simple things can feel complicated when you've never done it.

"What I do know is Adam has got an unbelievable thirst for football, and his knowledge and his experience are going to leave him with a whole host of options, I believe."