'Exciting' Southampton defender now training full-time with first team

The 21 year old was recalled from his loan spell at League Two Colchester United in January after discussions involving Martin. 

Centre-back Lawrence signed for Saints from Glebe FC in February 2022 and immediately emerged as a key player for the under-21s. 

He won National League Torquay United's young player of the season award during his first senior loan but has been injured this campaign. 

With Saints losing loanee Mason Holgate on deadline day, Martin has replenished the defensive ranks with Lawrence. 

He told the Daily Echo: "Nico is back in the building now after his loan and there was a decision made on him.

Nico Lawrence started the first four matches of the League Two season before an ankle injury ruled him out (Image: PA)

"There were a few clubs interested in taking him on loan but he has been out of the building for a while and I have not seen much of him. 

"I really like what I have seen in the short period of a few days that we have trained. I sat down and had a conversation with him.

"It was with Olly Lancashire, Carl Martin and Jason Wilcox as well, and I want to see more of him so he will train with us every day."

The boss continued: "He has an opportunity to force himself into the squad and to show us what he has got.

"He will be better for these four months. He has been out for a while so we want to get him in the best condition he has ever been in."

Confident with the ball at his feet, Lawrence has all the attributes to be a success in a possession-based system.

The youngster is still building back up to full fitness and is unlikely to be involved even in a rotated FA Cup squad against Watford. 

Nico Lawrence could play for the under-21s as they host Manchester United on Friday (Image: PA)

Martin has made no guarantees of any appearances - Lawrence is joining the first team on a learn-first basis for the rest of the season.

However, the boss also refused to rule it out - he has set the challenge. 

Martin explained: "It is a big step for him from where he has been. His challenge is to be as ready as he can possibly can. 

"He has some real tools considering we got him out of non-league and he hasn't been in an academy all the way through.

"There are some good attributes to work with and it is exciting when you see a young player who has an attribute you value.

"I am excited about that but I am not going to say he will be involved at any point. It will be dictated by how he adapts and how he does. 

"Whatever happens, he will be better by the end of the season than he is today."