Southampton's Martin issues 'earn it' verdict on four academy starlets

Academy starlets Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Jayden Meghoma, both 17, made their first starts for the club since August.

Midfielders Tyler Dibling, 17, and Cam Bragg, 19, who have both been at Saints since they were in primary school, came on as substitutes. 

Academy director Andy Goldie was in the stands to watch the FA Cup third round clash and some of his best youngsters compete at the senior level.

Speaking after the match, Martin praised the performances of the youngsters - including Bragg, who was making his Saints debut.

Local lad Cam Bragg helped set the tempo on his first Saints appearance (Image: Stuart Martin)

“They deserve it. You have to earn it – you’re not giving out debuts or games to young guys just for the sake of it,” the boss said.

“We have some talented young players. Jayden I thought was outstanding; so, so good, so talented, so young – it’s a hard position to play in the Championship when you’re that young.

"I don’t think there are many doing that at this age. He came in today because he deserved it, and he was excellent. He’s going to be a really exciting talent for the club moving forward.

“Sam Amo was great in bits – he’s understanding more what we want from him out of possession. He’s been really good, I’ve enjoyed watching him and he’s trained well recently."

Sam Amo-Ameyaw, 17, still hunts his first Saints goal (Image: Stuart Martin)

Martin continued: "Tyler does his stuff, such a talented player, and I enjoyed Braggy’s performance – he deserved to get on the pitch.

Tyler Dibling recently signed a new long-term contract at Saints (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I like him as a young man and as a footballer. He’s got such a good understanding, learns quickly, and asks questions.

"It was nice to get him on the pitch because he deserved that, and I thought he was really good when he came on.”