Mark Hughes pleased with Southampton striker duo as Saints beat Dijon 2-0 in France

Southampton manager Mark Hughes was pleased with the goals and performances from strikers Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini on Saturday as Saints ran out 2-0 winners against Dijon FCO in France.

Given that Long has been struggling with injury during pre-season, he was particularly pleased with the progress made by the Irish striker.

Talking to the club’s media team, Hughes said: ”I thought it was important to get Shane back involved. He’s missed a little bit through injury, so it was good that he came back in.

”I thought Shane and Gabbi in the first half were really bright in their work and caused them a number of problems.”

Hughes also alluded to new Saints goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who signed from Manchester City in the summer, getting more game time in the coming weeks.

Saints are to play home friendlies against Celta Vigo and Borussia Monchengladbach, and Gunn made his first appearance as a Saint against Dijon on Saturday.

”He’s going to get more minutes in the next two games as well – I think that’s important,” said Hughes. “He’ll experience St Mary’s, and that will be a box ticked for him.”