Southampton's Martin hits out at reason behind Doyle's Brighton move

The boss insisted he "loves" the 18 year old midfielder as a player and a lad - but that only makes the move more disappointing. 

Doyle, who had been in the Saints academy for more than a decade and made his Premier League debut last year, joins Brighton's under-21s.

The youngster is understood to have expressed concerns over first-team minutes before pursuing the move to the south coast rivals. 

The Daily Echo understands Saints could receive more than £2.5million for Doyle with instalments and payment clauses, as well as a sell-on percentage clause.

Martin, speaking after his side's 1-1 draw at Watford, admitted: "That one has annoyed and disappointed me - I don't think we can do any more as a club. 

"When you get told the reason he is leaving is for opportunities in the first team and the first interview that comes out is he's training and playing with the 21s.

"It's a bit like - perhaps that was not a footballing decision. But I love Kami as a player and as a lad and you won't find a bigger fan of Kami than me.

"The team is unbeaten in however long, he trained with us every day and he won't be getting that at Brighton is my take from that interview." 

He added: "If you are going to say you are leaving for first-team minutes or you are frustrated, don't go to Brighton. 

"He had been injured for three months. He has been in the squad a few times but you're trying to get ahead of Stuart Armstrong, Charly Alcaraz, and loads more. 

"He is 18 and he had never played with the first team and rarely trained with them by the way, until we came up.

"With Tyler (Dibling) and Sam (Amo-Ameyaw), maybe a week at the end of the season when they made some debuts.

"It's very different putting them in cup or league games where they have to really fight for a result.

"Kami would have had more opportunities if he was fit but he wasn't. You can probably tell I am a bit annoyed. 

"However, it is Kami's decision, the club received good money for an 18 year old that never played a league game.

"I hope he has a brilliant career because I love him, I was really demanding of him because of the talent he possesses and that is why it's frustrating.

"He's made a decision with his family and with his agent and I hope it is the best thing for him - but I am not convinced it is the best thing for... him.

"That is my opinion and that is there's. It is what it is." 

Martin named two academy youngsters in his starting lineup to face Watford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday. 

Jayden Meghoma and Tyler Dibling started the Vicarage Road fixture while Sam Amo-Ameyaw made a big impact from the bench.

Midfielder Cam Bragg also made his debut in the third round of the competition, during the 4-0 win over Walsall. 

Martin said: "That is why it is frustrating. One of the reasons we are here is to develop young talent because we have a great academy but not enough players come through.

"Coming through to the first team is difficult so days like this one where they have a chance is a massive opportunity and we will learn from it. 

"We've got Carl Martin, he's a transition coach and does a lot for us but for the young guys in particular, his care for them is incredible.

"We feel like we have worked with Carl forever. He is a great guy and has been here for a long time. Jason Wilcox has come from one of the best academies in Europe.

"The business model here is to recruit young players and develop them to make them assets as a player for us or sellable."

Martin continued: "We had a lot of young guys on the pitch today so it has been a good day for us in terms of that.

"Having a replay maybe gives us another chance to give some of the young lads more minutes as well.

"We will still bring a winger in because this was a game situation where Amo has no defensive responsibility on him. 

"But he has a brilliant future ahead of him, as does Tyler Dibling and as does Kami Doyle - just not with us."