SAINTS manager Russell Martin has looked to shift the focus from the unbeaten run to winning each match ahead of facing Sheffield Wednesday.

His side will go 19 league games unbeaten for the first time since December 1921 if they earn a result at St Mary's.

Martin and Saints, however, have only one goal in mind this season - promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Saints have reduced Ipswich Town's lead on them to just three points and the automatic promotion places are within reach. 

Martin said: "I don't think we have spoken consciously about the run because we focus on every game as the next most important game.

Daily Echo: Russell Martin has been nominated for the last three manager of the month awardsRussell Martin has been nominated for the last three manager of the month awards (Image: Stuart Martin)

"We try hard to be the team we want to be so the incentive for us is to keep producing and that to hunt down the teams in front of us.

"We are in a position to fight and be that close now and it's been an immense effort, it's been really difficult and there have been some difficult moments.

"If we can carry on doing that and it means we make some history together then amazing. We probably spoke about it once when it was talked about."

He added: "It has not been a focus for us but if we do it then it will be because the players deserved it. I am proud of them and they deserve every credit they get.

"We are grateful to work with them, I love watching them play and if we can achieve something like that together it will be great.

"We face an opposition that are in a really good place with a new manager. They have built some momentum and a lot of belief in what they are doing. 

"It will be a different challenge to what we have faced recently. The incentive for us stays the same but to add that to it as well is an exciting challenge."

The boss confirmed that Sam Edozie, James Bree, and Kamaldeen Sulemana are making good progress but remain sidelined with injuries. 

Martin explained: "I don't think any timeframes have changed. Sam is coming along nicely so will hopefully be at the lower end of the scale. 

"We're still looking towards the end of the month for him and James Bree and Kamaldeen Sulemana. 

"Not much has changed in terms of that. Ross (Stewart) is Ross and we know his situation. Other than that, everything is okay. 

"Bree is the same as Edozie and is coming along nicely. They have both been pushing themselves very hard but will not be back for the next couple of games."