SAINTS boss Russell Martin has opened up on the possibility of signing Ryan Fraser permanently at the end of the season.

The loanee expressed his desire to remain at Southampton next season after scoring his first goal for the club against Hull City last month.

The 26-time Scottish international has made 11 appearances for the club since making the loan switch from Newcastle United this summer.  

Asked by the Daily Echo if he would like to make Fraser's loan permanent at the end of the season, Martin explained: “We want good players and we want good characters - Ryan definitely fits into that.

"The fact that he feels the way he feels after a short time here is really brilliant for us as a group of players and staff to show what we are trying to build here.

“People feel like they belong and they want to be a part of it. He is really enjoying himself, his energy has been brilliant over the last few weeks.

"He has been so good in training, he does everything properly whether that’s a passing drill or a warm-up.

“He’s a brilliant professional and he’s been really good for the group. The best thing he can do is carry on doing what he is doing. There will be so much that goes on between now and the end of the season."

Martin continued: “Knowing Ryan and his capabilities, would he be someone that we want as part of the project here for longer than we have him? Of course, but he has to do enough on the pitch to put himself in a position where everyone feels the same.

“Me and him are on the same page. He’s on the same page as the coaching staff. Ryan will only get better.

"He came in trying to get fit, but he’s got through that period now. They are in a place where they understand the detail and their role in the group is solid.

“They just need to keep growing together now and it’s up to us do to that and to make sure they keep learning together. I’m really confident we can put ourselves in a really strong position.”