Downes fit to be named in Southampton squad at Birmingham

The 25 year old can return to the squad for the Championship trip to Birmingham City to make his first appearance in three weeks.

Saints have lost four of the five games Downes missed through injury, including Wednesday's 3-0 loss at Liverpool. 

The West Ham United loanee, who played under Martin at Swansea, has emerged as one of Southampton's most important players. 

Asked if he is fit and ready for selection, Martin told the Daily Echo: "He has been smiling a lot and he is fit, yes.

Saints midfielder Flynn Downes has made 24 appearances for the club this season (Image: PA)

"That will be good for us," the boss added when asked to clarify his availability: "Yes." 

His return will be a relief to Martin, who has only won two of the eight Championship matches Downes has missed this season. 

Martin was also relieved on Thursday evening to get the medical team's verdict on the fresh injury of Kyle Walker-Peters.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man was substituted less than 20 minutes after coming on at Anfield in the FA Cup fifth round. 

Martin admits he is unlikely to make the Birmingham game but hopes he will be back next week after a positive prognosis. 

"We were really worried, especially the way he walked off the pitch," Martin admitted. "It was a relief when we got the scan results back.

"I was sitting at the Saints Foundation charity dinner listening to Adam Blackmore talk when I got that message.

"It was a nice evening made nicer by good news. Ideally, he wouldn’t haven’t missed any game at all but we’re happy it’s not too bad."