SAINTS assistant Matt Gill admitted he is "gutted" David Brooks cannot play in an "ideal" game for the new signing.

The Welsh international, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, made his club debut as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win at Rotherham.

Brooks impressed with his control and composure despite only playing a cameo role but cannot play in an FA Cup game again this season.

He has been cup-tied and will miss the fourth round replay against Watford after scoring and assisting two against Swansea for Cherries. 

Fellow Bournemouth loanee Joe Rothwell will likely make his second Saints start but Gill accepted disappointment at Brooks missing out. 

"It would have been ideal, yeah," he told the Daily Echo, standing in for manager Russell Martin during the pre-match press conference.

Daily Echo: David Brooks will undergo individual training on matchdayDavid Brooks will undergo individual training on matchday (Image: Matt Watson - Southampton FC)

"Luckily Joe never played in it for Bournemouth so it is an opportunity for him to get some more minutes into his legs.

"He has played a lot less football than Brooksy but yeah - even in the 25 minutes Brooksy played, he excited everyone. 

"Gutted he can't be involved but he will do some work on the training ground tomorrow with Russell.

"It is a bit disappointing but he will be ready for Saturday and able to come fresh so that is a benefit I suppose."

"He looked really panicked didn't he," Gill quipped, assessing his first touches - including a nutmeg - at New York Stadium. 

"He's got huge quality. We were really desperate to try and get him in and we are pleased we have done.

"The fans will see loads of that composure and ability in the final third over the coming weeks, which is great for us." 

Saints staff and players are always given matchday minus two as a day off, meaning this Sunday was a day of rest. 

Gill admits messages were already pinging in the staff group chat regarding team selection for Tuesday's meeting with Watford. 

The players were informed of the starting XI in a group meeting at lunchtime today, after the press conference but before training. 

"We made sure we were in nice and early and made sure we got the game boxed off," Gill explained. 

Daily Echo: Matt Gill has been Russell Martin's assistant since the pair were at SwanseaMatt Gill has been Russell Martin's assistant since the pair were at Swansea (Image: Stuart Martin)

"We prepared what we wanted to show the lads in the team meeting at 12pm - what's important in training and also the team."

He added: "Nobody wanted the replay, nobody did. 

"But when you are 1-0 down with 10 minutes you will take one because we are desperate to stay in the cup and continue unbeaten.

"We watched the game back early this morning and already had discussions about what we wanted on the coach back Saturday. 

"It is a tricky one with the lack of depth in some positions but the squad is excellent so there is plenty in there to make a few changes.

"We pride ourselves on our squads looking the same even after a couple of changes, everyone gets the same information in our unit meetings."