FORMER Saints striker Alan Shearer picked out Kamaldeen Sulemana as a reason for supporters to be optimistic about bouncing straight back up following the winger’s impressive display in Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Liverpool.

Entering the final day of the season, Kamaldeen had yet to find the net for Saints since joining the club on January deadline day. But that all changed as he struck either side of half-time to take Saints from 2-1 down to 3-2 ahead.

The first of Kamaldeen’s brace saw him latch onto a Theo Walcott through ball before tucking his finish under Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool net. 

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And if questions could be asked about the goalkeeping for the first, there was nothing Kelleher could do about the second as Kamaldeen raced to the edge of the Liverpool box from inside his own half before curling brilliantly into the far corner.

Asked on Match of the Day about any reasons for positivity despite Saints’ last-place finish, Shearer pointed to the 21 year old winger as well as fellow goalscorer Adam Armstrong.

“It looks as if Russell Martin is coming in, they’ve got Adam Armstrong who can score goals at that level,” Shearer said. “Che Adams as well - if he stays - and Sulemana who was superb today. 

“They signed him in January on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Rennes and he was excellent today. The timing of his runs, finishing very good. 

“Walcott, who played his last game for Southampton spotted his very good run. I think the keeper should do better but it’s his run and the timing of his run that’s the impressive part. 

“And then this one (his second) is magnificent. The way he glides past the Liverpool midfield, goes into the back four, and then picks his spot. The way he just caresses it into the corner…it’s a wonderful finish.”

It remains to be seen who will actually be a Saints player when the Championship season begins in early August with question marks around virtually every member of the current squad.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent following his two-goal performance, Kamaldeen said of his own future: "I'm ready for whatever's next.

"If I stay, I'll stay and help the team bounce back. If there's an opportunity to explore I will take it."