Saints nearly gifted the visitors a goal in the opening moments when keeper Daniel Peretz passed the ball straight to Watford’s Edo Kayembe on the edge of the box but the shot that followed was a tame effort.

The hosts had their best chance just before 20 minutes when Flynn Downes crossed a ball into the area from the right which found its way to Ross Stewart in a central position, but his shot was saved by Watford keeper Egil Selvik.

There was a pause in play after half an hour as Downes and James Abankwah came together in a nasty-looking collision.

The Southampton midfielder came off worse out of the two players and then spent a lengthy period of time on the ground before receiving treatment. He tried to continue but was brought off before half-time despite his best efforts.

The visitors’ best chance came just before the break as the Hornets sprung on the counter-attack, working the ball to Giorgi Chakvetadze who fired narrowly over.

Watford fans wanted a red card for Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the second half as he brought down Mamadou Doumbia who looked ready to burst in behind, but referee Elliot Bell produced just a yellow for the defender.

Saints finally broke the deadlock when Bree swung a corner into the box from the left and his delivery found the head of Larin, who got ahead of substitute defender Saba Goglichidze – also making his debut – to power the ball home just three minutes after being substituted on.

The home support were signing his name in the moments after the goal, delighted at his contribution.

Larin was a big physical presence up front on his first appearance in red and white, occupying the Watford centre-backs, hard at work in the air and with the ball at his feet during his 30-minute cameo.

Southampton were denied a penalty in added time as Sam Edozie looked to be wrestled to the floor in the box but referee Bell waved away the appeals.