Saints could be without another midfield option as Rothwell picks up small injury

SAINTS could be without another option as Joe Rothwell picked up a small injury in the 5-0 defeat at Leicester City.

Manager Russell Martin confirms the 29 year old AFC Bournemouth loanee will be assessed ahead of facing Stoke City on Saturday.

Rothwell started for the first time since the 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers earlier this month in the absence of Stuart Armstrong.

Armstrong has been ruled out for the rest of the season with Rothwell auditioning for his place in the promotion clash at King Power Stadium.

However, he came off after just 40 minutes for regular starter Will Smallbone, with Saints trailing 1-0.

Speaking after the match, Martin said: "He’s tweaked his hamstring so we will assess that.

"He was able to play on for a bit but then he became a bit tired so we will have a look."

Saints host Stoke on Saturday, April 27, in their final home game of the regular Championship season.

They then visit Leeds United on the final day, on Saturday, May 4, before entering the playoff semi-finals a week later.

Midfield mainstay Flynn Downes is also battling an injury concern but is expected to be back before the end of the season.

With Rothwell out, it means Martin's only senior options are Smallbone, Joe Aribo, Downes and Shea Charles.

Young midfielder Tyler Dibling has been travelling with the squad and was one of three academy youngsters on the bench at Leicester.