Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling is 'one to watch' and highly-regarded at St Mary's, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Saints suffered a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Brentford on Saturday, but it proved to be a momentous occasion for Dibling.

What's the latest news involving Dibling?

Dibling was included in the first-team's matchday squad for the first time when Southampton made the trip to the Brentford Community Stadium.

Although the 16-year-old failed to make his debut, due to being an unused substitute, Saints chief Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted he wanted Dibling to experience the atmosphere of a Premier League encounter after impressing in training sessions held at Staplewood.

Dibling hit the headlines when he scored a hat-trick in Southampton B's victory over Newcastle United's under-23s last month.

That, in turn, led to Hasenhuttl insisting the attacking midfielder is one of the 'shining players' coming through Saints' ranks.

Dibling's goal-laden performance also resulted in supporters comparing the teenage sensation to former Southampton star Gareth Bale and Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Dibling?

Barclay believes Southampton are big fans of Dibling and keen to see how he will continue to develop ahead of potentially becoming a key member of the first-team squad further down the line.

The journalist feels Saints fans should keep an eye on the wonderkid due to his potential coming to the fore against Newcastle's under-23s.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "He is very young and it is very impressive for him to get opportunities at that age.

"For an attacking midfielder to score a hat-trick at any level is very impressive. I know he is one to watch, which sounds a bit wishy washy, but they like him a lot."

How has Dibling performed at youth level?

Dibling's hat-trick came in just his second appearance for the Southampton B team, with his other outing seeing him claim an assist against Middlesbrough's under-23s in January.

But he has also shown that he can be a serious threat in the final third of the pitch when performing for Saints' under-18s as he has chipped in with nine goal contributions.

Dibling's youth level form has caught the eye away from the south coast, with him being handed two caps for the England under-16s.

With those statistics at such a young age, it should come as no surprise that Hasenhuttl is keen to get Dibling involved with the first-team squad at St Mary's.