Former Saint Jamie Redknapp thinks Ralph Hasenhuttl must ‘spend wisely’ if he is to get his new side out of a relegation battle.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, the ex-England international believes January will be a crucial month for Saints and their boss.

Redknapp said: “The upcoming transfer window will be the most important for Southampton since their return to the Premier League.

 “They have been a selling club in recent seasons, but now new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl must spend wisely to get them out of trouble.

“He should also give Charlie Austin a run in the side. They are in real need of more firepower.

“Only Manchester City and Chelsea have had more shots than Southampton, yet they have scored just 13 goals.”

Hasenhuttl’s first match in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Cardiff on Saturday, but there were early signs of how the Austrian will get Saints to play.

His team pressed the opposition high up the pitch from the first minute of the game but ended up being caught out in defence after Jannik Vestergaard’s error led to Callum Paterson’s winner.

And despite the result, Redknapp revealed the Saints players are already impressed by what they've seen from Hasenhuttl.

He added: “Their rivals are rallying, too. Cardiff — who beat them on Saturday — are starting to pick up points, Burnley got a vital win over Brighton and Huddersfield are improving.

“Southampton players I speak to say they have been impressed by Hasenhuttl since he has arrived, but he will be judged on whether the players he brings in can inspire a turnaround.”