SAINTS manager Russell Martin explained the absence of defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and revealed a new injury concern over striker Che Adams.

Martin hailed Southampton’s resilience after a last-gasp Ched Evans own goal secured them a valuable 2-2 draw at Preston.

Goals from Milutin Osmajic and Brad Potts in three second-half minutes set Preston on course for victory until Evans diverted a 96th-minute corner into his own net while under pressure from Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

Kyle Walker-Peters had put Southampton ahead in the first half and Martin was pleased with their performance, despite the need for a late equaliser.

Harwood-Bellis missed the match due to his prior hamstring concern picked up during the international break, while Adams was substituted at half-time with Saints ahead.

Speaking after the match, Martin explained: “Taylor couldn’t travel because he had an injury before but we hope to have him back on Saturday.

“We knew on Saturday as we were touch and go then. His mentality meant he played when maybe others wouldn’t, I think it’s fair to say.

“He has such a warrior mentality. It was difficult to lose him and we adapted the team a little bit to utilise what we’re good at.

“Mason (Holgate) grew into the game as well and Shea (Charles) had to come in, Flynn had to come off with a migraine so it’s a bit chaotic.

“That is why we have a squad with depth and some people really took the opportunity, some people will be frustrated – but the subs had a big impact again.”

On Adams, Martin added: “He’s picked up an injury and it’s frustrating. It’s really frustrating for him and for us.

“This is the problem with going away on international duty and their routine is different, it’s the same with Carlos (Alcaraz) and Stuey (Armstrong).

“We don’t decide without speaking to them and getting them involved in it, and I think it was the right thing (to start them from the bench) for 60 or 70 minutes.

“That 20-minute period will make people think differently about the changes but that is why have a multi-disciplinary team with medical and sport science.

“We all sit around a table and have an honest discussion and then the decision is made with the players understanding why.

“Sometimes they agree and sometimes they don’t, but we have a chance this weekend to make it a top week overall.”

Saints host Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City at St Mary's up next on Saturday, October 28. The St Mary's side are unbeaten in five in the league.