Danny Ings has the craft to help drive Southampton’s misfiring forwards back to regular Premier League goal-scoring, according to boss Mark Hughes.

Saints manager Hughes hailed Liverpool loanee Ings for delivering a creative debut in Sunday’s season-opening goalless draw with Burnley.

Southampton failed to break the St Mary’s Stadium deadlock but Ings produced an encouraging cameo off the bench as the hosts pushed for a late winner.

Manolo Gabbiadini hit just five goals in 28 league appearances last year, with Charlie Austin mustering seven in 24 – but now Hughes believes Winchester-born Ings can bring about a revival after joining his home club in the transfer window.

Asked if Ings can spark Saints’ other forwards back into goal-scoring form, Hughes replied: “I think so; the players that are quick in mind and actions, and ship the ball quickly.

“I was a little bit reluctant to throw him (Ings) on so soon.

“I felt he was fit to play a part, but looking back he hadn’t actually had a great deal of time on the grass in pre-season.

“But when he came on he looked as fresh as a daisy. He came on, retained the ball on the half-turn, running between the lines, and gave us a glimpse of what he will bring to the party.

“So we’re really pleased with that cameo from him.”

Southampton rode out a sluggish start where ex-Saints midfielder Jack Cork had the ball in the back of the net, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.

Alex McCarthy saved well from Aaron Lennon at point-blank range too, but after the break – with the introduction of Ings and fellow new recruit Mohamed Elyounoussi – the hosts seized the initiative.

Norway forward Elyounoussi joined Saints for £16million from Basel as ex-Stoke boss Hughes continues to put his stamp on the south coast set-up.

And former Wales striker Hughes believes the 24-year-old was another to stand up well on his club debut.

“I was pleased with the contribution from Moi Elyounoussi too, we saw glimpses of the talent he has,” said Hughes.

“Overall I’m reasonably pleased with it being the first game. Obviously you want a win, but a point and a clean sheet is the next best thing.

“Mario Lemina I thought was good today as well, and certainly the second-half he was driving forward well.

“There’s work to be done clearly, but overall I’m happy with where we are for now.”

Summer recruit Joe Hart impressed for Burnley, staying calm as Saints built the pressure late on – leaving his boss Sean Dyche impressed with the 31-year-old’s start to life with the Clarets.

“He’s a very experienced keeper and he’s been brought in for a reason,” said Dyche, of England man Hart.

“I don’t think he touched the ball until the 16th minute. He kept his mentality and focus and, when called upon, he produced a mature performance.

“He’s a top keeper. I’m very fortunate to have a number of top keepers at this club.”