Nathan Tella was handed his full debut for the Saints in a Carabao Cup second-round exit against Brentford.
The 21-year old academy graduate made his start and played 84 minutes in the domestic cup competition against the Championship title favourites.
It is only the second time Tella has featured for the Premier League side after making his debut in a 3-0 victory against Norwich City towards the end of the 19/20 campaign.
After the match he spoke to Southampton’s official website where he reflected on his full debut:
"It’s a dream come true. I was speaking to my parents last night and said it’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life."
“The fact it came today, the result was not the best but on a personal note, it’s a dream come true and something I’ve worked towards my whole life and I’m happy to get there and for it to have happened tonight.
“I’m happy to get my first start but disappointed with the loss.”
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“I know what it takes”
The Saints host London side Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday where they will be looking for their first three points of the season after losing on the opening weekend against Crystal Palace.
Tella will be hoping to break into the starting eleven throughout the 20/21 Premier League campaign.
The game on Wednesday has given the English winger a better perspective on what is expected from him.
“I think this is going to give me a change in mindset, I know now what it takes to be involved in a first team match for a whole 90-minute match, I know I can’t switch off and always have to stay focused.
“It’s nice to see the club have shown faith in me and given me the opportunity tonight.
“I’ve been training with the first team recently and having that opportunity has given me the confidence in myself that I know I can go out and perform and focus on football with no other distractions.”