DEFENDER Ryan Manning is set to miss Saints away trip to Preston North End on Wednesday evening through suspension.

The Irish full back's yellow card against Hull, which he earned for tripping a Tigers player after he got stuck in possession, was his fifth of the season.

EFL disciplinary rules state that players who earn five yellow cards in the first 19 games of the season will receive a one-game suspension. 

Speaking after Southampton's 2-1 win over Hull on Saturday, Martin confirmed that he will be without the 27 year old at Deepdale.

"We have lost him, it's his fifth booking. They are good enough to deal with it," he added when asked if losing his former Swansea full back is a blow. 

"I think he (Manning) has grown into the role, like so many others have done. The players who haven't been playing need to be ready to contribute."

The former Scotland international has been very settled with his full backs this season as both Kyle Walker-Peters and Manning have started all but one game together.

Southampton's only other natural senior left-back, Juan Larios, is currently out injured after suffering a setback in his recovery.

That could lead to Walker-Peters switching out to the left, as he did from the start against Middlesbrough when Manning was named among the substitutes.

That could present an opportunity to James Bree and Mason Holgate, who have both been limited to very few minutes under Martin this season.

A switch at left back isn't the only change expected ahead of Saints trip to fourth place Preston - which is their second of three games in eight days.

"Taylor (Harwood-Bellis) came into the game off the back of only training one day. We will have to assess him," Martin added.

"He looked fine so fingers crossed he has come through it okay. There are a few tired bodies in there.

"There are guys who have been away on international duty that played minutes so we are going to have to assess everything. 

"We are going to need everyone, I am sure of that. There will be changes to the team on Wednesday and on Saturday.

"I hope the team is at a point now where we can take one or two out and put one or two in. I really trust all of them.

"They are all growing together. It's gong to be an opportunity for someone and they are going to have to take it."