MANAGER Russell Martin admitted Ryan Fraser has "put himself in the frame to start" after Southampton's 4-0 FA Cup win over Walsall on Saturday.

Fraser scored twice and set up another for Sekou Mara as Saints thrashed the League Two side to reach the fourth round.

The Scot has predominantly been used as an impact sub since joining the St Mary's side on loan from Newcastle in the summer.

Martin admitted Fraser has been frustrated with his lack of starts but he has used that disappointment in the right way.

With Sam Edozie now out injured, alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana, the 29 year old has hit form at the right time for Saints.

“He was really good, really brilliant," said Martin. "He has such an amazing attitude and is a good example for the young boys.

Daily Echo: Saints are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“He’s been great coming off the bench recently, now Sam Edozie has got an injury so Ryan has put himself in the frame to play from the start.

“As long as he brings what he does all the time then he will be a big player for us.

“He maybe hasn’t started as many games as people may have thought, or what he’d like, but he’s been a huge player for us.

“He’s been frustrated but in the right way. We wouldn’t have signed him if he was a bad character. He is the Ryan I remember playing with."

Fraser has now hit six goals in a Southampton shirt - a tally only bettered by Che Adams (7) and Adam Armstrong (13) this season.

It is an impressive return given how many of his appearances have come at the tail end of games.

“He’s a good guy who smiles a lot and knows everything about football, he watches every game possible and is in such great shape," Martin continued.

“We had a chat and he understood his role, especially as the other guys have been brilliant. He said he’d do everything he could whilst in that role.

“Of course, he wants to start games but now he’s accepted it and has shown what he can do when he’s come off the bench. Days like today will help him.”