MANAGER Russell Martin insisted Charly Alcaraz’s new contract shows Saints are “willing to protect our assets” and “reward" players for doing well.

The one-year extension continues an exciting week for the Argentine, who has come back into Russell Martin’s starting XI for victories over Leeds United and Stoke City.

Alcaraz, 20, was clapped by his teammates ahead of training this morning for both extending his Saints deal and receiving a maiden call-up to the Argentina squad.

The attacking midfielder completed media duties for the one-year extension’s announcement just after Martin issued his verdict to the Daily Echo.

Asked what message is sent to both player and club, Martin responded: “If you do well, the club is really willing to protect our assets and to recognise and reward you.

Daily Echo: Saints manager Russell Martin reflected on his side's back-to-back wins

“Charly had a lot of noise and interest over the summer but he is still here and that is great for us – his last two games have been his best two.

“It’s really exciting for him to be in the Argentina squad. We told him he can pay for dinner for everyone now, which is good.

“Funnily enough, he didn’t understand that bit. He’s been great, we spoke about him a few weeks ago and he wasn’t in the team for various reasons.”

Martin continued: “He’s come back in at the right time, I think. The right time for us as well as the team needed him and he delivered.

“We’ve had a few bodies now that can come back in and there will be one or two changes tomorrow because it’s the first three-game week in a while.

“Charly is one we have to consider, but he looks fresh, the news has been good for him with Argentina and he has been desperate to get out there and tell people.

“I’m really proud of him, and the whole team, but he’s such a young man and has come through everything so well.”

While Alcaraz may find himself the victim of rotation for tomorrow’s Championship clash with struggling Rotherham, he has plenty to look forward to.

The youngster will be training alongside the likes of football icon Lionel Messi ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador.

Alcaraz could also be a key player for Argentina’s Olympic squad, set to compete at the Paris 2024 games for the title won by Messi in Beijing 2008.

Daily Echo:

Martin, reflecting on what Alcaraz can learn from the experience, said: “What it takes, the way to behave around the place and the way they treat the staff and the other players around them.

“That was always what I took from playing with the very best players. They are themselves and really secure in who they are.

“They have never lost that and can go on the pitch and play their way – and they understand the value of everyone else around them.

“I’m sure Charly will be getting pestered now for shirts when he goes away but he just needs to go away and enjoy it.”

He added: “If he does what he does with us, training every day like a beast and being really conscientious, then he will give a good account of himself and of Southampton.

“It’s great news to be going away with the World Cup winners and the best player ever – even if he doesn’t take anything else, he will take great confidence from it.”