SAINTS forward Ross Stewart has backed "really humble" teenage starlet Jay Robinson to strike a winning partnership with him next season.

Robinson, 18, made his first senior start in Southampton's final-day 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last month, after a stellar season with the under-21s.

Stewart, 28, netted his first goal for the club after two years of injury hell as the Scotsman and Robinson attacked a Mateus Fernandes corner.

Robinson is tipped to remain with the senior team in the Championship, while Stewart is looking to repay the club for his £9million transfer fee.

Stewart heaped praise on the youngster and told the Daily Echo that their partnership is one he wants to build on over the summer. 

“Really impressed. I thought when he came on in games as well, he was excellent. He's just one of the kind of young player we have," he said. 

Ross Stewart celebrates his first Saints goal against ArsenalRoss Stewart celebrates his first Saints goal against Arsenal (Image: Stuart Martin)

"They've got no fear. They just go and play. He takes the ball under really difficult pressure at times but he wriggles his way out of it.

"You see it in training, the quality and the hunger. He's another one who I think has got really good potential to go far in the game.

“And he's just got to go and keep working and do what he's already doing, which I know he will because he's a really humble boy.

"I’m delighted to see him get his first start as well for us. Hopefully it's a partnership that you end up seeing a bit more," added Stewart.

Former Scotland international Stewart scored 10 goals in 13 Championship matches for Sunderland before injuries sidelined him for two years.

He made brief substitute cameos for Saints in that time, before managing eight consecutive appearances to finish the Premier League.

Robinson, born in 2007, meanwhile, scored eight goals and provided five assists in 21 Premier League 2 matches for Saints last season.