SAINTS midfielder Flynn Downes insisted new signing Joe Rothwell "looks sharp" following his first training sessions with the club.

The 29 year old joined on loan until the end of the season from AFC Bournemouth earlier this week and bolsters Russell Martin's options.

Rothwell is a ball-carrying number eight but can play anywhere in a midfield three, offering competition to the current group.

The former Blackburn Rovers ace could make his debut when Saints visit a former club of Downes - Swansea City - this weekend. 

Downes, himself on loan from a Premier League club in West Ham, admits January signings are important to give Saints "a boost". 

He told the Daily Echo: “He looks very good. He has trained with us and he looks sharp.

Daily Echo: Flynn Downes will help Joe Rothwell settle into midfieldFlynn Downes will help Joe Rothwell settle into midfield

“I think you need to bring in new faces in January. It gives you a little boost.

"He is a good player. Last year he played a lot in the Premier League and did well.

“Everyone knows he has got that class. If you watch any of the games he has played in, you can just tell he is a good player.

“We are looking forward to having him involved. Our midfield is so good because everyone brings something different to the table."

Based on the summer acquisitions, it will take Rothwell time to get up to speed with Martin's possession-based style.

Rothwell has also not started a league game since August, making eight substitute appearances and one 90-minute run-out in the cup since.

Downes added: “Our style is very different. I don’t think he will have experienced it at any other team.

“It does take time but I think he will get there. We have already done a bit of shape work.

“He looked good. I’m sure he will catch on to it really quick and kick on.”

Downes and fellow former Swansea City teammate Ryan Manning have already taken on added responsibilities this season.

The duo have been able to help pass on their expertise from playing under Martin in the Championship previously to new signings. 

“Of course. It happens all the time. You need to play games and you need to watch the boys play," Downes explained. 

“It is good that we have got games every Saturday - we will have time to implement things. I’m sure he will pick things up quickly.”

For Downes and his midfield partners, it adds a further body to compete with. Rothwell looks a better fit in the midfield eight position.

That would see him competing with Will Smallbone and, when he returns from Africa Cup of Nations, Joe Aribo - but nobody is safe.

Downes said: “It’s an added motivation. You need that competition. I think that, even without him here, I still have that on me.

“If I play badly then I’m not going to play the next game - it’s simple. I just focus on what I’m doing and keep trying to benefit the team.”