MANAGER Russell Martin admitted Kamaldeen Sulemana was left “frustrated” with his return to the pitch but credits him for working “really hard”.

The 21 year old had waited since scoring a double against Liverpool on the final day of the Premier League season in May to pull on a Saints shirt.

Kamaldeen, a Ghanaian international, looked bright during his cameo in the 4-1 defeat to Leicester City – completing two dribbles and having a shot and two attempted crosses blocked.

However, his performance died off after his concession of possession with a sloppy short pass led directly to the Foxes scoring their fourth – and he was sent off in added time.

READ: Martin identifies how Southampton can fix conceding problem

The red card issued by referee Bobby Madley was ruled erroneous, overturned and he will be in the squad to face Ipswich Town on Tuesday.

Martin assessed Kamaldeen’s return, speaking to the Daily Echo, as he said: “He was frustrated with his performance, and I think we need to expect some rustiness.

Daily Echo: Russell Martin is looking to ease concerns

“He had a couple of moments really early on where I thought, ‘Okay, this is the Kamaldeen we have seen in training’.

“It slowed down a little bit after the mistake but he’s a young lad, it was his first game back and he was disappointed.

“I thought he worked really hard for the team and he will be so much better for that 45 minutes, and ready to build on that.”

Martin added: “I’m excited about what he can come in and do. He was gutted after the game, genuinely devastated that he might have to miss three games after being out so long.

“I’m really pleased they have made the right decision after the appeal and I’m looking forward to getting him back on the pitch.”