Southampton defender's reaction to benching has been 'fantastic'

The boss added that his response to being dropped from the team for Monday's defeat at Ipswich Town has been "fantastic".

Martin added that Walker-Peters needs to "live there" all the time to ensure he performs at his peak for the Championship run-in.

Monday was the first time the two-cap England international had missed league minutes when available for selection this season.

"Kyle hadn't played for like five or six weeks," Martin explained, with the 26 year old injured throughout the international break.

Saints boss Russell Martin spoke to the Daily Echo (Image: Stuart Martin)

"He then played on Friday and looked incredibly tired at the end of the game. That's the only reason he didn't play on Monday.

"Because then to ask him to go again against the league's most productive left-sided player, I think Kyle understood that as well.

"His level of intensity wasn't quite there on Friday, defensively especially. Because probably fatigue," Martin continued.  

"We looked at it before the Middlesbrough game and said, do we rest him and wait for the Ipswich one? Because he's been such an important player.

"The decision was made after Friday. The same way the other guys did. A couple of players came out of the team.

"It wasn't just Kyle. But his reaction to coming out of the team has been fantastic, he has trained like a beast.

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"And Kyle needs to live there all the time. All the time. When he does, he's one of the best players I've ever worked with.

"But also, if he wasn't there on Friday, it's my fault. If he wasn't ready, if he wasn't where he's used to being. After five weeks off, it's not always easy.

"It's not a criticism of him, I was looking at what the team needs. If he can't quite sustain a level for 90 minutes on Friday, I'm not sure he can on Monday.

"He will respond. And when he comes back into the team at some point, it will be fantastic." 

Martin insists he manages each game as it comes and did not consider resting players against Middlesbrough to face rivals Ipswich. 

"There was no thought of let's rest a few players for Monday. Every game is the most important one," he said.

"Friday was the most important one. And then Monday became the most important one. So now tomorrow against Blackburn is.

"I think we're in a position now where we're looking at it again. We need to manage this and do that. What do we feel is the best team to win this game?

"This is the most important game. It's the same way as today is the most important training session.

"Honestly, Kyle trained so well in the days after it so it's been incredible. And we need to maintain that level."