Martin admits he and assistant were thinking same thing as Downes shot

Saints moved up to second place in the Championship as a 3-1 victory at Swansea saw them break a 103-year club record.

In Martin and Downes making a return to their former employers, Saints made it 21 games without defeat in all competitions. 

For birthday boy Downes, 25, it was the midfielder's first Saints strike since joining on a season-long loan from West Ham.

All goals came in the first half, with Che Adams and Will Smallbone putting Saints two up and Downes adding after Jamie Paterson’s reply.

Southampton swapped places with Ipswich on goal difference ahead of the Tractor Boys’ trip to leaders Leicester on Monday.

"It was a nice day for him," Martin said, speaking after the match. 

Saints manager Russell Martin is enjoying working with Flynn Downes again (Image: PA)

"It was also Colin Calderwood's birthday - I am very pleased for Flynn. He has been immense and was immense when we were at Swansea too.

"When he was about to shoot, I am pretty sure Gilly (Matt Gill, assistant manager) and I were thinking the same thing - don't. 

"He is a top player at this level and I think we are really lucky to have him.

"Hopefully, it is because he enjoyed playing for us so much the first time. We are enjoying working with him again as much if not more." 

Saints are back in action in the FA Cup fourth round next weekend, visiting Championship rivals Watford on Sunday, January 28 (2pm).