SAINTS boss Russell Martin praised Joe Aribo for his performance during Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Ipswich Town.

The Nigeria international was a surprise inclusion in the side and formed part of a midfield three with Will Smallbone and Adam Armstrong.

He had only featured for 45 minutes across the opening six Championship fixtures and was making his first start of the season against the high-flying Tractor Boys.

Speaking immediately after the match, Martin was thrilled with how the 27 year old performed.

He told the Daily Echo: “I thought Joe did well. He’s played well in a couple of practice matches we’ve had. He just deserves a chance.

“You trust him to go and put a certain level of performance on the pitch and to want the ball, to run for his teammates. He’s a brilliant teammate and I think he’s someone that you trust.”

Midfield is an area of the pitch where the Saints boss has struggled to have a consistent trio of players in his preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Flynn Downes, Shea Charles, and Stuart Armstrong have all featured in some of the recent matches but Aribo will be hoping that he can nail down a place going forward.

His versatility and experience should be of huge benefit to the former Swansea City manager in the difficult moment that the club finds itself in at the moment.

The former Rangers man was substituted after 56 minutes with Jan Bednarek coming on to replace him.

The Southampton boss added: “He has not played for a while so there were some moments of rustiness but also some good moments.

“Hopefully he will be better for tonight and he can kick on from here.”

A 30th minute strike by Ipswich midfielder Omari Hutchinson was the difference on the night, which leaves Saints in 11th place in the Championship.