Ralph full of praise for Nathan’s biggest critic

RALPH HASENHUTTL has revealed the secret behind Nathan Redmond’s incredible career turnaround – his mum.

The 25-year-old forward was a target for the boo boys when the Southampton boss arrived in December but ended up playing a key role in the club’s relegation escape.

And Redmond has now signed a new four-year deal, keeping him on the south coast until 2023, as a reward.

Hasenhuttl said: “I had a very nice meeting yesterday with his mum. She was here. I like this lady massively and she is very critical of him.

“We are both on the same track and I think that is what he needs.

“He is critical of himself also and at the moment that is a little switch in his mind. He is very focused on what we are doing.

“The development of him is a very positive one and he is one of the players who has to make the difference again this season.”

Hasenhuttl also hopes seeing Redmond commit his future will encourage more of the club’s top stars to stay.

Saints midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is next in line to net himself a bumper new deal and Hasenhuttl said: “I think it is fantastic news for this club.

“It’s a signal for everybody else that something is growing here. If such a player decides to stay longer, he must be convinced by the work we do.

“If one of the established players from last season is convinced, it is a good sign for the other players.

“It shows that they don’t have to leave and go to a big club.

“If Nathan develops his game like he did last season, who knows where he will end up?

“Now it is up to him to prove he can step up his performances.”