MANAGER Russell Martin dubbed goalscorer Joe Rothwell an "amazing finisher" after his quickfire double secured Saints a 4-2 win over Sunderland.

The Cherries loanee scored twice in three minutes, after coming on from the bench, to restore Southampton's lead having been pegged back by the Black Cats. 

Rothwell, 29, has now scored four times for Saints, all of those being important goals that have come at the Chapel Stand end of St Mary's. 

Martin told the Daily Echo: “Joe is an amazing finisher. The first one looks easy but it isn’t, it is on the half volley, and then with the second, he’s shown great composure.

“He was really great when he came on. He and Joe Aribo can be frustrated that they aren’t starting because of the quality of options we have in that position.

"Sam Edozie doesn't even get off the bench today and I feel for him because he was great in the last game.

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"Rothwell and Aribo can be frustrated that they are not playing because they were fantastic at Anfield - on one of the toughest stages, but they have two guys in front of them who have been playing really well.

“It is good problems for me but they have to keep doing what they have been doing when they get on to the pitch and being frustrated at not playing.

"Will (Smallbone) and Stu (Armstrong) are both furious they are coming off - which is how it should be. The same goes for Jack (Stephens), but when we win they all celebrate together which is the most important bit."

Daily Echo: Joe Rothwell scored twice as Saints beat Sunderland 4-2Joe Rothwell scored twice as Saints beat Sunderland 4-2 (Image: PA)

Rothwell was introduced in place of S Armstrong, who opened the scoring in the first half and was a creative force for 73 minutes.

"It was decided at 2-1 that we would bring him on for Stuey to give us some aggression in midfield and for him to drive forward into the space," Martin continued. 

"When they scored the second we thought 'Should we take Stu off? He is one of our more creative players.' But you have to go with instinct. 

"We did that and fortunately it has paid off for us. My feeling was that the game would still be there for us if the players continued to stay brave.

"The subs had a great impact. Kamaldeen is frustrated that he did not score. We have had over 20 shots again at home and we need to make the most of them."