Southampton's Martin concedes date to reschedule Preston is 'unlikely'

The boss admitted the club wants to schedule the game, postponed due to an industrial estate fire, for a slot as soon as possible.

The Championship season ends on Sunday, May 4, and due to an already packed run, there are few slots for the match to be played. 

One of those was Tuesday or Wednesday, March 12 and 13, but the EFL, Saints and Preston have so far been unable to reach agreement. 

Asked if the game will be played next week, Martin told the Daily Echo: "Yeah, I don't think so - it would have been our preference.

Russell Martin admitted he wanted Preston game to be next week

"I think it would have been the club's and the police's preference to schedule it straight away but I don't think it's Preston's preference.

"With how little time there is I think everyone has to be in agreement and they have Plymouth away next week so it's not their preference. 

"You have to appreciate that and respect that. I would love the game to be next week but it looks very unlikely it will be next week."

It leaves Saints with two remaining midweek slots on Tuesday and Wednesday 16 and 17 April or April 30 and May 1.

It also means Saints will have a three-week international break as planned for due to the rescheduling of the visit to Leicester City. 

Saints will now take on the Foxes on Tuesday, April 23, which was one of four midweek slots at the time of the Preston postponement. 

Saints must visit league leaders Leicester City midweek in April (Image: PA)

Martin does not think the week's events will alter their plans, explaining: "I don't think so.

"We would love to replicate a game of some sort next week but trying to find friendly opposition during this fixture period is difficult.

"We will have to replicate that within the training for sure and then the internationals go away again.

"It is about being on top of things and planning it properly to make sure everyone gets exactly what they need."

He added: "Everyone is different and we have had players that have played every minute in this period and some who haven't played much. 

"We will do as much work as we can next week and then when the international guys go away hopefully they play games. 

"There will be a bit of rest in there for some as well and other guys will go into the gym and work on things they have needed to."