SAINTS manager Russell Martin revealed the reason behind Che Adams’ absence from the squad during his side’s 2-1 victory over QPR, insisting: “He hasn’t downed tools.”

The 26 year old striker, who has been offered a new contract at the club, is the subject of potential transfer interest from Premier League suitors.

Adams, who scored three in three to start the Championship season, agreed with manager Martin that he would not take part in Saturday’s contest amid the speculation.

As a result, he trained in a group with the rest of the players not involved – including outgoing Nathan Tella – on Friday.

Asked for an update on Adams, Martin told the Daily Echo: “The guys who are not in the squad train separately because we have 20 players – they all train every day apart from the day before the game.

“I spoke to Che on the phone on Thursday after we offered him a new contract, and then spoke to him again on Friday in the office.

“We came to an agreement that he wasn’t in the right place to give everything he’s got but both of them played last week and were brilliant despite all the noise.

“It’s been a long week for both of them and the dynamic has changed slightly but I’ve got no problem with either of them.”

The boss continued: “I didn’t want him to play while all that is going on so nothing has changed from last week really. We’ve also offered him a new contract and he’s getting pulled from pillar to post.

“He’s getting so much different advice and it’s really not easy. He’s been a bit heavier this week, energy not quite the same – and that’s not intentional, not one bit.

“He just hadn’t been the same energetic and vibrant guy we know so it’s definitely weighing on him and I didn’t want him to put himself through or it nor did I think he was right to help us.

“It was my choice. He didn’t down tools or refuse to play or anything like that, he’ll be pleased we won and it will come to a close this week one way or another. If he goes, we will replace him – if he doesn’t, I’ll be really happy.”