MANAGER Russell Martin admitted Saints are missing Joe Aribo while the midfielder is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Aribo’s Nigeria - who are now tournament favourites - are set to face Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday evening  

The 27 year old has only featured in two of the Super Eagles’ four games so far.

Aribo made a substitute appearance against Equatorial-Guinea before starting against Guinea-Bissau.

Asked by the Daily Echo how much contact Southampton have had with Aribo, Martin said: “I texted him and Gilly has spoken to him.

”We watched their round of 16 game.

“He didn’t get on the pitch. Tall Paul did so I messaged him as well.

“It was a good win for them. He looked as though he was enjoying the celebrations afterwards.

“He is maybe and even closer teammate with them because you don’t get a chance to be away from each other when you are away.

“We are missing him, I told him that, but we are also enjoying watching his journey.

“Hopefully he can contribute and go on to win it. If they don’t then that is a bonus for us because he comes back a bit sooner.

“It will be a really big bonus for us when he does come back. We have Kamaldeen coming back as well.

“Sam Edozie and Breezy are not too far away. That will be great for us.”