Rusk emergence 'should be seen as a positive'

As if Southampton did not already know just how brutal Premier League football can be, Ryan Sessegnon's late winner was a painful reminder.

As the clock ticked down, reporters watching on were primed to praise another point gained under interim boss, Simon Rusk.

A team, already relegated, but seemingly transformed – or at least much improved – under Rusk's leadership. Put the Fulham result aside, one cannot help but think Rusk is doing enough to at least be considered for the permanent role with Adam Lallana in tow.

Articulate press conferences, noticeable improvements on the pitch and the fans seeming to warm to him. In a season of negatives for Southampton, the emergence of Rusk into the limelight should be seen as a positive - even if he returns to his under-21s role.