SAINTS boss Russell Martin has "no doubt" that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will get through his latest "tough period."

Goals prevented stats suggest that Bazunu has conceded 10.8 more goals than expected this season.

The stat finds Bazunu bottom of the Championship list having also been bottom of the Premier League charts last season.

For comparison, Rotherham's acclaimed shot-stopper Viktor Johansson has prevented 0.8 goals and Leicester's Mads Hermansen leads the way with 5.8 goals prevented.

"Gav will be frustrated with any goal he concedes," Martin explained, speaking with the Daily Echo. 

"He's frustrated with one or two of the goals he conceded on Monday because he holds himself to such high standards.

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"He's a brilliant and intense young man, his intensity is incredible. He beats himself up a lot when he feels he's not quite at his best.

"We need to help him through this period. If we're going to get the goalkeeper that we've had in so many games this season, which we think we can, then he needs to get through this period.

"For such a young man to play as many games as he has and do what he does with a ball at his feet is incredible. That takes a really big mentality. Every player has a tough period.

"I don't really understand that stat, but speak to Dean (Thornton) or the other goalies - there have been numerous games where he's been outstanding this season.

"And when we were on that unbeaten run everyone was talking about how good he's been. Players have dips sometimes. It happens.

"I've got no doubt he'll get through it because of the young man he is. It will define him the same way as any other player. He will respond in the right way."