Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl stressed that the experience of Theo Walcott was still vital to his side.

The 33-year-old has not played a single minute for the club this season in the Premier League.

However, Hasenhuttl still believes that he will have use for Walcott later in the season, while adding that his contribution in training is invaluable.

Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “Absolutely important person in the moment because we lost a lot of experienced players last summer.

“Because of his experience, he is important for the young players, definitely. Also because of his professionalism he has – he shows every day with the hard work he does on the pitch.

“Every time you go in the gym, you see him there working. In this age, this is exceptional for me and he is still a super-fit player.

“Hopefully we can also use his quality in the future and I am sure that he will get chances to play also."

On his role as the season goes on, Hasenhuttl added: “Sure, every player [will contribute and get chances]. You can be sure every player who is in our team is there because he can do something special for us.

“That's what everybody has to know. Then they wait for the chance and get it – then they have to perform.

“This is what we are hoping every player does."