Under-23s coach Craig Fleming has heaped praise on two of Saints' young defenders, Jake Vokins and Kayne Ramsay, both of whom have signed new contracts this week.
The defensive duo were jointly involved in last year's Under-18s group, overseen by Fleming, and he has been particularly impressed with how the teenage pairing have fared both this season and last.
Vokins, 18, has extended his current deal, while 17-year-old Ramsay has agreed his first professional terms.
"They both thoroughly deserve their contracts," Fleming explained. "Kayne hasn't been in the building that long, but he's impressed everybody since the day he arrived.
"He's very powerful, performed consistently well for the 18s and he'll be around the 23s before long.
"Vokins, comparatively, has been in the building a long time. He was 15 and playing in the FA Youth Cup, which tells you he has potential.
"He's gone from strength to strength from there, and is now playing England Under-19s.
"They're both good lads, they have good work ethic and hopefully they'll make the necessary transition.
"That's why we exist as coaches in the academy, to produce good footballers.
"There is some terrific talent at this level. So I think they're up there, in what is a golden age for youth football."
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