SAINTS manager Russell Martin admitted Che Adams has been “really unlucky” to be starting on the bench as the forward netted in back-to-back appearances.

The 27 year old Scotland international scored the winner at Sheffield Wednesday late in the season opener before adding his second of the campaign in Saturday’s 4-4 draw with Norwich City.

Adams was introduced from the substitutes bench just minutes into the second half, with his side trailing 3-2, after Samuel Edozie was unable to continue through hamstring tightness.

Adams has been the subject of transfer interest from the likes of AFC Bournemouth so far this summer and faces an uncertain future with only one year left on his contract.

He has staked a claim to start for Martin when Saints visit Plymouth next weekend, while the boss said: “Che can consider himself really unlucky to not be playing.

“The way he has been performing when he has come on has been amazing and he has only been able to perform that way because of the way he has reacted.”

Martin also introduced former Manchester City youngster Shea Charles, signed this summer for a fee that could reach £15million, for his Championship debut.

The 20 year old defensive midfielder offered protection to a defence that had been struggling in his over 25 minutes of action and drew praise from his new manager after the match.

He said: “Shea was so good, so positive and so powerful and helped us a lot on transition – he stopped a lot of counters and was really smooth on the ball. He’s going to be an outstanding player.”

Academy youngster Sam Amo-Ameyaw was also given a Championship debut, having made his Premier League bow on the final day of last season, with a late cameo against Norwich.

“Sam is 17 and it’s really easy to forget that. There were just a couple of moments that were so good, just so exciting and it is up to us to make sure we harness that in the right way,” Martin insisted.