Ivan Juric happy after Southampton star scored his long awaited goal | OneFootball

Southampton manager Ivan Juric has expressed his joy openly for forward Paul Onuachu's first club goal, despite it coming in a losing cause.

Southampton's recent trip to Nottinghamshire was a bittersweet one. Though a 3-2 loss pushed the Saints an edge closer to relegation, it had many considerable positives for the club.

Be it boss Ivan Juric's improved substitutions from the last away trip or the club's never giving up attitude, the recent fixture might be one of the best games for Southampton fans this Premier League campaign.

However, arguably, the most special moment would be forward Paul Onuachu netting his first Southampton goal in around 2 years.

Through a calculated corner cross from Mateus Fernandes', Onuachu placed the ball perfectly behind Matz Sels to make it 3-2 in the end minutes.

Having scored his first Saints goal, it was a special night for Onuachu, but the only regret was that it came in a losing cause. Nevertheless, boss Ivan Juric celebrated his first goal very passionately.

Ivan Juric happy after Southampton star scored his long awaited goal

As per the Daily Echo, post-match, Ivan Juric praised Onuachu, saying: "He's very good and he will give everything he can. I think he will be very good for us. I'm very happy for him that he scored today."

Not just because it was his first for Southampton, Onuachu's recent goal could change his Saints career forever.

Paul Onuachu had been an inconsistent starter for Southampton all his life under ex-boss Russell Martin. The Nigerian striker had fallen low in Martin's pecking order and even his exit was being discussed.

However, the change of managers has rushed life in Onuachu's failing Saints career. Under Ivan Juric, the Nigerian forward has started getting opportunities again.

And finally, came his long-awaited goal, which can be the cornerstone moment for his Saints career trajectory ahead.

It is clear from Ivan Juric's words that he certainly sees Onuachu in his future plans. In case the 30-year-old starts repaying the trust, consistently, Southampton might have big issues resolved.