It's unusual for Saints Marching to get all bleary-eyed over Ryan Manning's performances at left-back, but unfamiliar times call for unprecedented exceptions.
Since his brilliant, albeit surprising, free-kick against Wrexham on the opening day, Manning has become something of an enigma for Southampton this season.
Manning: the new James Ward-Prowse
On the one hand, the Republic of Ireland international has taken up the mantle of James Ward-Prowse as Southampton's premier dead-ball technician. His direct free-kick goals against Wrexham, Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday have all been examples of a master at work.
On the other hand, Manning's basic defending has been largely dreadful. At Millwall, for example, he let a weak far-post effort go through his legs and into the net, costing his team a point at the death.
Manning has a penchant for drama. His annoying habit of throwing himself to the floor when his lack of pace gets him into a sticky situation is just plain aggravating.
All of that aside, Manning's performances under Tonda Eckert have greatly improved. Not only has he defended with greater assurance, but he has also made better use of his attacking attributes.
Memorably, away at Charlton Athletic, it was Manning arriving late in the box to head Tom Fellows' cross in spectacularly at the far post. At Norwich, in a dismal team performance, it was Manning who got them back into the match with a rasping low effort from distance.
No dip in form despite Welington's absence
What is particularly interesting is that Southampton's run of 13 games unbeaten has not been adversely affected by Wellington's unavailability due to injury.
Before Welington sustained the injury that has kept him out of contention for six matches, Southampton went five matches unbeaten, including the 1-1 draw at Fratton Park and the home wins against Sheffield United and Watford.
Since Welington picked up his knock at Leicester City, Manning has been involved in six matches unbeaten, including a 5-0 thrashing of Queens Park Rangers, wins on the road at Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday, and Wednesday night's win against in-form Norwich.
Although Manning might not be good enough to play at the top level in England, he has proven that he can still do a job in the Championship and should not be written off just yet.
With eight games left to play and no sign of Welington returning any time soon, Manning could have a significant part to play in just how close the Saints get to being promoted this season.
The performances of Daniel Peretz, Léo Scienza, Cyle Larin, and Finn Azaz might be stealing the limelight, but Saints fans should not forget the important role of their often maligned left-back.