SAINTS manager Russell Martin claimed midfielder Will Smallbone can be “like a new signing” after the international impressed during a 4-2 win over Reading.

Martin’s first win as Saints boss in pre-season came at the third attempt as his side met with Ruben Selles’s Royals on the road.

Jan Bednarek. James Ward-Prowse, Adam Armstrong and Joe Aribo got on the scoresheet, although Martin was left disappointed with the manner of the two goals conceded.

Martin reserved praise for Republic of Ireland footballer Smallbone, who he wanted to land while at Swansea City, for his role in the win.

“Will Smallbone coming back is like a new signing. He’s someone who really cares about the club, wants to be here and wants to prove to everyone that he’s ready to make an impact,” Martin said.

“He came back later than everyone else because he had internationals. I tried to sign him at Swansea and we couldn’t as we had too many midfielders, so he knows how we feel about him.

“We really liked him before and he’s someone who really suits us, he can play in a few different positions and that can really help us.”

Martin continued: “Today will have been really important for him, he’s learnt so much in the last couple of weeks. There’s been a few lads who have been thinking too much about the detail.

“Today, they have felt it rather than thought about it and that was nice – we need to do that more. The more we do it, the more they can feel and learn from it. I was really pleased.

“I’m sure he would be happy to play every game but it is up to him to maintain his standards. He’s flexible in position and we have a few like that, hopefully, he enjoyed himself – we enjoy watching an academy graduate play in the first team.”