Ralph Hasenhuttl is convinced teenage striker Michael Obafemi can handle the responsibility of helping to fire Saints to Premier League safety.

The 18-year-old forward is available for selection again after two months out injured following his first senior goal in the win at Huddersfield.

Hasenhuttl has identified Obafemi as a key figure in the future of the club, who have this week convinced him to sign a new three-and-a-half-year deal.

With Danny Ings still sidelined and Saints’ other front men desperately short of form, the livewire youngster looks like being handed the goalscoring burden ahead of tomorrow’s game at Arsenal.

Hasenhuttl has no doubts over his ability or mentality, but admits he is agonising over how best to use Obafemi given the physical limitations brought about by his style of play.

He said: “High pressure is not a problem. If we have three games in six days like now because the schedule is crazy – maybe then again a long time off because of Watford, and then again three in a week - the main problem is that.

“He’s a type of player who sprints a lot and these players can find it difficult to play three in a week. Ings is the same.

“We have a look at what we have to do not to hurt him in every game as he has the quality we need. We’ll play him when we need and not too much.”

Ings is likely to miss the next three games with a chance of returning for the match against Tottenham in a fortnight. Mario Lemina is the only other confirmed absentee for the trip to the Emirates.

Whether Obafemi gets the nod to start ahead of Shane Long and Charlie Austin is an important decision for Hasenhuttl to make having got him to commit his future to the club.

“I think the first important thing is he’s fit again and that’s important for him,” insisted Hasenhuttl.

“After his goal against Huddersfield it was a long time he was out and for a young player it’s important he is always playing and developing his game.

“He has qualities that can work for us with his speed and deep runs and it’s good he’s back.

“It’s good the new contract is signed and he can concentrate on his work and professionalism. “He’s a young player and still a lot of work to do with him but I hope he stays focussed like he has in the last four or five weeks.”