SAINTS manager Russell Martin admitted there will be changes to his team to face AFC Bournemouth tonight following a 4-2 win over Reading just three days ago.

The 37 year old, managing in front of his new supporters in England for the first time following a pre-season trip to Turkey, named a strong XI to face Ruben Selles’s side.

Jan Bednarek, James Ward-Prowse, Adam Armstrong and substitute Joe Aribo netted versus the Royals – but are not assured of a starting place at St Mary’s with another fixture on Saturday.

Saints also host Dutch top division – and Europa Conference League semi-finalists – AZ Alkmaar on Saturday, July 29 – ahead of the Championship season starting next Friday.

Speaking to club media about the clash with Bournemouth, Martin said: “It'll be a step up. We started pre-season with Benfica which was very difficult and playing a Premier League team will be another big test.

“We just want another step up from us really, as a group. There'll be some changes in the personnel that played from Saturday because I wanted to get minutes ahead of another game on Saturday.

“So we’re still looking for that physical development and we're looking for an improvement tactically. We've driven players individually and as a group and as a manager I really look forward to seeing what the guys put into practice.”

Martin added: “We've been doing it on the training pitch in the weeks but I think it's probably going to be different.

"A different set of strategies, both in terms of the way they (Bournemouth) play having brought in a new manager because they had a fairly clear identity for a little while.

“We’ve watched a couple of their games in preseason so what happens will be interesting for us, they are aware of what we should see.

“It's been a nice feel about the training ground today after Saturday and hopefully we can keep going, it's been really the energy just improving with what we want really coming to life.”

Martin was given a warm welcome to the club by nearly 3,000 Saints supporters on the road at Reading as he went over to introduce himself ahead of kick-off.

“It's been really nice and we're going to need to continue to grow and now it's about building that connection and energy with the supporters as well,” Martin added.

“We're really excited. I'm really excited. The reception Saturday was amazing, it really touched us it was that good.

“So to make the fans feel excited about what's to come and about how the team is going to look, they’re the most important people in the club and my job as a manager and our job as a coaching staff as a team of players is to get them to connect with us.  

“If you're energised about an issue you're happy to go and watch and support. So that's already started and we played in front of a few of them against Goztepe and then quite a few of them on Saturday, hopefully a few more against Bournemouth.

“We just need to be ready for the first game of the season and I think we've sold out our away end at Sheffield Wednesday, which is amazing as a Friday night game on TV is really easy to not go to.”