A BASINGSTOKE footballer has played his first match in the Premier League just 24 hours after his 20th birthday.

Will Smallbone helped Southampton secure a two-nil win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

The young player almost marked his first match with a goal when he struck a post via deflection in the opening stages.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl described Smallbone as an up-and-coming star.

"It's important for me that even under pressure, you can give a young lad a chance," the manager said.