Claude Puel hailed a superb debut from young winger Josh Sims after Southampton recorded a 1-0 victory over Everton.
Puel handed Sims a full debut and was rewarded for his belief in him just 41 seconds into the game when he set up Charlie Austin.
Puel joked: “For his first game in the Premier League, I think it was ok.
“He has made a good progress since the beginning of the season. I think it was important to give him an opportunity.
“All the games are important and if we just consider this, we don’t start young players.
“It’s not a problem and I did this work at Lille and Lyon where I started young players.
“It’s important to respect the philosophy of the club, of Southampton and the good work of the Academy.
“This is a good thing to see all of the good young players.”