SAINTS boss Russell Martin believes Saints have a "real chance" of surprising people in the Premier League if they "stay brave."

Martin is pleased with where Southampton are physically, following their final pre-season friendly against Getafe, which finished 0-0.

Saints had chances to score against their Spanish opponents but their final product let them down, with Adam Armstrong spurning two chances.

Saints have only lost one of their seven pre-season friendlies - a disappointing defeat to Championship Oxford United - scoring 15 goals in the process.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about how he feels heading into the Premier League campaign, Martin said: "I think they're in a good place physically.

"I just said to them there that it's been a brilliant pre-season in terms of work and what they've done and how they've conducted themselves and the intensity of it all.

"So I'm glad it's over. I think everyone is now. Pre-season's done. Everyone's just looking forward to the start of the season. I saw a lot of stuff I liked and bits we need to work on.

"Every game I think it's been a progression. The only one I've not enjoyed is Oxford for 60 minutes - I think during pre-season I'll take that.

"So there's a certain level of performance there. They need to stay brave and if they do, we have a real chance of surprising people and having a really enjoyable season."

Captain Jack Stephens, 30, continued to play in a hybrid defensive and midfield role against Getafe at St Mary's.

He played further forward and joined in with the attack - occasionally looking to run beyond and enter the final third.

Martin heaped praise on his skipper and insisted Stephens is capable of playing multiple positions, as he has done throughout his time in charge.

Jack Stephens during pre-season friendly against GetafeJack Stephens during pre-season friendly against Getafe (Image: Stuart Martin)

On the captain, Martin added: "He's had an amazing pre-season. He's a brilliant footballer. A really gifted footballer, who helps the team a lot.

"The lads love him. They want him on the pitch. We've looked really solid on the whole with the three centre-halves on the pitch in pre-season.

"Then he helps us because he's so intelligent and such a good footballer in the build-up. He's so flexible. 

"His recognition of certain moments on the pitch is really outstanding when it comes to age and experience. I think he'll help us in many, many different ways.

"Like I said to you before, formation and position is not something I'm really fixated on," Martin continued. 

"I think people get pigeonholed too early in their careers and I think he's shown what a good player he is."