Ralph Hasenhuttl has dealt a blow to some of Southampton's established stars by saying his priority is to unearth "jewels" from the club's academy.

Full-back Cedric Soares and centre-back Wesley Hoedt are among the players yet to feature under Hasenhuttl, while Italy striker Manolo Gabbiadini has been restricted to 15 minutes of action.

Euro 2016 winner Soares is seemingly frozen out at St Mary's, with 18-year-old right-back Kayne Ramsay set to make his professional debut ahead of him in Sunday's game against Premier League champions Manchester City.

Saints manager Hasenhuttl has already put his faith in youth having given opportunities to academy graduates Yan Valery, Tyreke Johnson and Michael Obafemi.

"Our philosophy is to give the young players a chance for the future because they are our future," said Hasenhuttl.

"I want them to be part of the squad and it can happen with Ramsay in the next game against Man City gets the chance to play.

"We have a few jewels in the academy and my challenge is to work with them and make them better and that is only possible if you give them a chance to play against good teams. Why not?".

Portugal international Soares was injured when Hasenhuttl replaced Mark Hughes in early December.

The 27-year-old has been unable to force his way back into contention and has been challenged to prove his worth as he competes with Valery and Ramsay.

"After his injury it's always the same, if the guys who play in your position do it well you are out and you have to wait," said former Red Bull Leipzig coach Hasenhuttl.

"At the moment he stands behind. If he gets a chance he must show he deserves to play."

With the January transfer window set to open next week, Hasenhuttl will have his first opportunity to make a mark on his squad.

The 51-year-old, who remained tight lipped about possible departures, was unconcerned about upsetting first-team players.

"It's not about being happy, it's about being successful. At the moment the only goal is to be successful," he said.

"I can't take a view of the future of every player.

"For me it's important to build something up and to bring the squad back in a successful period."

Visitors City have slipped to third in the table – seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool – following three surprise defeats in December.

Hasenhuttl believes Pep Guardiola's side face an uphill task to catch Jurgen Klopp's Reds and retain the title.

"It will not be easy because to win the Premier League against a team like Liverpool, in the moment they haven't lost a game," he said.

"If you want to be ahead of a team that never loses, that's not easy.

"It's a long journey until the summer and a lot can happen. It will not be easy but not impossible."

Mario Lemina is doubtful for Saints with a stomach problem but fellow midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg returns from a one-match ban.

Striker Obafemi (hamstring) and left-back Ryan Bertrand (back)
remain sidelined.