Southampton manager Russell Martin said he believes Ireland international Gavin Bazunu will be a "brilliant goalkeeper".
At a BBC Radio Solent forum for Southampton supporters this week, Martin was asked for reassurances by a fan that the club is looking to strengthen the spine of the team, including the goalkeeper position, before the transfer window closes.
Bazunu had a difficult season last year. He was dropped for the final six games as Southampton were relegated from the Premier League.
"We don't have a problem with the goalkeeper in my opinion," said Martin, a response which elicited applause from the crowd.
"We have a full international who is [21-years-old] and will take some unbelievable learning from last year, playing in the team that finished bottom of the Premier League. That's not easy for a goalkeeper, and it's definitely not easy for a young goalkeeper.
'I would want to go and sign Gavin Bazunu'
"Alex McCarthy is a really experienced number two and Joe Lumley is a really experienced number three. We have great strength in those positions.
"I've been made aware of this narrative around Gav. Last season has happened, you can't impact that. What you can impact is that he'll be one of the best goalkeepers in the division.
"For how we want to play, if I was looking for a goalkeeper, I would want to go and sign Gavin Bazunu. His mentality and how he has been, how he's trained, how he plays."
19 June 2023; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu with Republic of Ireland coach John O'Shea after the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Southampton drew 4-4 with Norwich on Saturday. Martin - who left Swansea during the summer to join Southampton - said the goals were not Bazunu's fault.
"On Saturday, he couldn't do anything," said Martin.
"I said after the game that he doesn't deserve to concede four goals. It was not his problem at all. It's the guys in front of him. We will learn from that.
"I can only speak from my short time here but Gavin is going to be a brilliant goalkeeper. He is also going to be a huge asset to this club both on the pitch, financially - whatever you want to call it.
"As long as he maintains the standards that he's had in the last six weeks, we will be more than fine.
"He has really capable people pushing him in training to make sure we bring the best out of him.
"Gavin, already in the six weeks, I've seen someone whose personality is starting to come out. He's had a really difficult time but he will be so much better for last season."
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