Doyle revels in "loudest atmosphere"

The 17-year-old played two lots of 30 minutes as Saints drew 1-1 in the first meeting between the two clubs, who are both owned by Sport Republic.

Doyle, who made his first-team debut at Brighton in May, says the noise of the natives will live long in the memory.

“It was probably the loudest atmosphere I’ve played in before,” he said. “I enjoyed it.

“I thought there would be a fair few fans there, but obviously that was pretty loud. It was good though, I like playing in front of loud fans.

“It was a tough test as well, they’re a good side and that’s what we want in pre-season – to get fit and to test ourselves.”

The creative midfielder was thrust into the starting line-up at late notice after Moussa Djenepo was hit by a bout of illness, initially operating as a left winger.

“It was in the meeting before, so a couple of hours before,” he said of his inclusion. “I see myself and I prefer being in the 8 position, but it’s always good to play different positions and experience that. It’s only going to make you a better player.”

As for Saints’ style of play under new manager Russell Martin, it seems to suit Doyle, and the teenager is revelling in it.

“I’m enjoying it, it’s really good – something that I think can really help us as a team, the style of play is a really attractive way of playing football,” he added.

“Ultimately if we can keep progressing, keep working on it, I think it can be really beneficial to us and do well this season.”