Saints boss Russell Martin has heaped praise on French forward Sekou Mara after his impressive cameo in Saturday's 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

Mara replaced Adam Armstrong in the 76th minute and he had a massive impact in the closing stages of the Championship clash.

The 21-year-old won a penalty when he was brought down in the box and went on to get himself on the scoresheet when he turned in Ryan Fraser's cross for his first goal of the campaign.

The France under-21 international will be looking to build on this performance as Saints enter a crucial stage of the season.

Speaking after the match, Martin insisted that Mara needs to show consistency on the training ground and in matches to help improve his game.

He said: "I’m pleased for Sekou. The moment of quality he showed for the penalty was amazing. Jack's (Stephens) pass was outstanding, and the chop was just a moment of real quality.

"He does possess that and now it is about him being really consistent in the way he trains and the way he plays when he gets on the pitch.

"It was a brilliant finish, and I am delighted for him."

Mara is currently competing for a spot in the team with experienced forward Che Adams and the club's top scorer Armstrong, who has 12 goals this season.

Summer signing Ross Stewart is also going to be among the options when he recovers from the injury that is expected to keep him out until at least January.

Martin continued: "(Mara) had a good impact against Cardiff here and now today, he just needs to keep building. It has been frustrating for him to only get minutes here and there.

"It can be tough. He has got competition in Adam (Armstrong) who has been amazing and Che (Adams) who is so experienced. 

"It was a difficult decision today to bring Che on or Sekou, but Che has started the last two games.

"I can’t keep saying to the guys that it’s a squad game, we’re going to need everyone, and then keep playing the same players."

Mara has made 12 appearances in the Championship this season, with his lone start coming in Southampton's 5-0 loss against Sunderland at the beginning of September.