Martin insists U21 inclusion is not a demotion for senior Saints players

SAINTS boss Russell Martin is keen to ensure his players do not view playing for the under-21s as a demotion.

Several senior Southampton players have turned out for Simon Rusk's under-21s this season in a bid to maintain match sharpness.

Joe Lumley, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Jack Stephens, Ryan Manning, Charlie Taylor and Ben Brereton Díaz have all received minutes at Staplewood.

Youngsters Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Juan Larios have also dropped down to play in the Premier League 2.

Saints have a big squad and Martin explained the importance of giving players an opportunity to impress when minutes in the Premier League are hard to come by.

Full-back Manning has benefitted the most from turning out for the under-21s. The Irishman had not featured in any competition prior to a PL2 fixture against Norwich in September.

Ten days later, Manning was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup against Arsenal at the Emirates and has kept his spot ever since.

Southampton's Ryan Manning has started the last five games (Image: Adam Davy/PA) "I think that's the point," Martin told the Daily Echo. "I think that's the evidence. Even when you're out of the squad, no one's ever far away.

"We're going to need everyone and I mean that. I think we've used pretty much everyone so far this season in various competitions.

"I think I can only tell them that they're really not far away and the evidence will show them that. There will be some weeks when the bench changes for reasons we feel are best for the team.

"Maybe someone's on the bench, they're not the week after and then maybe they go back into the starting XI.

"It's our job to keep everyone ready and it's their job to make sure they stay ready really and don't let disappointment take over. I'm always honest with them. Sometimes it's not an easy conversation."

Rusk's under-21s currently sit 18th in the Premier League 2 having suffered back-to-back defeats league defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace.

They lost 3-1 to Wealdstone on Tuesday evening in the National League Cup - Will Merry scoring a late consolation goal.