FORWARD Che Adams has been passed fit to make his Saints return against Hull City on Tuesday evening, Russell Martin has confirmed.

The Scotland international has been forced to miss Southampton's last two games having been withdrawn at half-time against Huddersfield earlier this month.

Adams was brought off for tactical reasons before Martin was made aware that the 27 year old sustained a calf problem.

The retired defender also hopes to have Downes back for their home game against Liam Rosenior's Tigers, but a decision is yet to be made on his availability. 

Defender James Bree is also nearing a return to full fitness having featured for the under-21s in their Premier League 2 game against Arsenal on Friday night.

Speaking at his press conference on Monday, the Saints boss explained: "Che is back tomorrow. 

"We have a decision to make with Flynn. He could be back tomorrow and then maybe it could mean Saturday becomes a bit more problematic, so we’ll make that decision in the next 24 hours.

"It's nice to have Che back and if we have Flynn back as well that will be nice, but he's very, very close.

"Breezy is very close as well. The squad is looking really strong and in a good place."

Will Smallbone and Shea Charles have both played in defensive midfield while Downes has been out injured. 

Both are in their first full season as senior Southampton players and have drawn praise from their manager Martin on several occasions.

"All we can ever ask of players is to try and learn with them from the previous game," Martin added. "We didn't have much time to practice between the Bristol City game and the West Brom.

"But we stressed some really key points on the training ground and in the video room. They are two young men with big responsibilities on the ball.

"They have both been great. The growth in Shea from Tuesday to Friday and the disappointment he had at coming off at half-time was amazing.

"That will be great for him and he will be great for us in the long term. Will was playing in a different role.

"I have a lot of admiration for him and how hard he works. We showed him a few clips from Tuesday night because it's not a role he is really used to.

"He understands what we want and then goes and carries it out. He is a brilliant learner and a brilliant young man.

"The club should be proud of Will and what he is doing this season in whatever role he plays. He is growing all the time and has become such an important player for us.

"People won't always realise what he does, but I think everyone here does. Hopefully, people on the outside are starting to see that now.

"He is a player's player. When you are in the dressing room they are always the best ones because everyone knows what they are going to get."