Gaston Ramirez tonight stepped off the bench to make himself a Uruguayan hero.

The £12m Saints creative midfielder was thrown on as his side desperately tried to break the deadlock against ten man Italy, knowing only a win would see them through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Ramirez delivered in some style as, just three minutes after his introduction on 78 minutes, he whipped in a beautiful inswinging, left footed corner that picked out the head of Diego Godin.

The defender powered his effort into the net to give Uruguay a 1-0 victory that takes them through with Italy joining England as unlikely victims in Group D.

Ramirez’s involvement did not end there though.

The game has sparked a huge controversy after it was claimed that Luis Suarez bit the shoulder of Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

As Chiellini raced up the pitch to show the referee the alleged bite mark, ripping his shirt down to reveal his shoulder, Ramirez trailed him trying to pull it back up and cover any potential evidence.

There is sure to be a FIFA investigation into Suarez’s actions, but after his starring role Ramirez could benefit if the Liverpool man ends up banned from action.