MANAGER Russell Martin insisted he would like to sign David Brooks permanently, but added: "There is no option at all at the moment."

The Welsh international has joined Southampton on loan from AFC Bournemouth until the end of the season.

Brooks provided two assists from the bench on Saturday to help Saints to a dramatic 5-3 win over Huddersfield.

The 26 year old could be set to make his first Southampton start on Tuesday night when they travel to Bristol City.

"If I had the opportunity, I would sign Brooksy to a contract that he has to stay with me until he retires," said Martin ahead of their trip to Ashton Gate.

“But it’s not an option. There is no option at all at the moment, so we are really enjoying working with him. 

“As a player and as a person, he is fantastic. He’s even better than I thought he was, and I had a really high opinion of him in the first place. 

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“He ended up playing two positions for us on Saturday, he did both with real quality and class. 

“I can’t speak highly enough of him and Joe Rothwell for their professionalism, their mentality, and their quality."

Martin was convinced to sign Brooks after a conversation with former Wales international Joe Allen, who he worked with while in charge of Swansea City.

"Once Joe Allen tells you someone’s a top person and a top player, then you know what you’re getting," Martin continued.

“Matt Gill spoke to him. Joe’s opinion for us means if he says it then it’s sold to us. You look at Brooksy and what he’s come through and you think you would love to work with him. 

“We phoned Joe and he said, ‘If you have the chance, do it’.  That was it, job done.

"Thankfully, Jason worked with him as a kid as well, so he knows him as a person and a player. 

“It’s worked out really well so far but I’m sure there’s much more to come from him. 

“He’s still learning what we are doing and the way we do things. Hopefully, he’s enjoying it as much as we are."