Ronald Koeman: Southampton penalty important for James Ward-Prowse

Ronald Koeman believes James Ward-Prowse's first ever goal in the Premier League during Southampton's 2-0 win over Hull was an "important moment" for the youngster.

The 20-year-old Ward-Prowse stepped up to break the deadlock from the penalty spot just before the hour mark having come on as a half-time substitute.

"Its a big moment for him and an important moment because he's playing well," said Koeman. "He's still a young player and its good for him to get that goal for his confidence."

Dutch boss Koeman also insisted that it was always planned that Ward-Prowse would take the penalty if he was on the pitch, and he duly did so for his first goal in 69 Premier League appearances.

"We always speak about penalty takers, free kick takers and set piece takers, and if Prowsey or (Morgan) Schneiderlin are on the pitch then one of the two should take the penalties," said Koeman.

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Graziano Pelle added the second late on for Southampton and Koeman was full of praise for his striker, after he got his first Premier League goal of 2015.

"He was always struggling a little bit about scoring, and he did miss a lot of chances. He played well today but he lives by scoring goals. And he finally scored today and that will give him really good confidence."

The win leaves Saints in fifth on Saturday night, putting them in a good position to qualify for next season's Europa League, something Koeman hopes his side can achieve.

"We are a little bit close but there are still six games to play," he said. "But we will fight for the highest position in the table."