SAINTS signing Shea Charles insisted the likes of Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek and Stuart Armstrong have “been able to help” him settle into his new side.

The 19 year old signed from Manchester City this summer having previously worked under director of football Jason Wilcox in his hometown.

Northern Ireland international Charles impressed Russell Martin in training, pre-season and a cup defeat at Gillingham but has had to wait for his Championship chance.

The defensive midfielder grabbed that with both hands during the 2-1 victory at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, winning the official man of the match award.

And speaking to the Daily Echo after the contest, which saw striker Che Adams net a late winner, he was quick to credit his new teammates.

“Stepho has taken to being captain very well, Jan of course and Stu as well – they’re sort of the players around me on the pitch. They have been able to help me,” he said.

“It’s everything around the dressing room, around the training ground and at lunchtime as well just speaking to me and helping me.

“That helps with the transition down to the pitch with the way Russell wants to play,” Charles added, before he was asked about those teammates linked with moves away.

“They are just focusing on us as a team at the moment and that’s clear to see with the way they’re playing. Of course (I want them to stay), yeah.”

Charles has already displayed his strengths aerially – with a headed goal versus AFC Bournemouth in pre-season – and in disrupting the opposition’s transition.

He finished Argyle with a 94 per cent pass accuracy, a match-high four interceptions and a further five recoveries.

“I feel like I did well, I felt like I played better in the second half and put onto the pitch a few pointers the manager gave me at halftime,” Charles reflected.

“It’s a horrible feeling when you concede so soon after scoring so I think we were relieved at the end to come away with the win.”

Although the signing of West Ham United’s Flynn Downes, who excelled under Martin at Swansea in the holding role, is set to be confirmed this week, Charles could keep his place for the visit of QPR this weekend.

Downes, 24, could operate in a more advanced position, while Charles is more limited to defensive midfield or centre-back. Adam Armstrong and Stuart Armstrong are also versatile in their positioning.

“For the Norwich game, that was my job coming on – to stop counterattacks and disrupt the transition,” Charles said.

“It looks like it worked and we slowed the game down so I’m very happy with that.”