Southampton starlet 'deserved' senior squad inclusion at Blackburn

Saturday's game at Ewood Park was the first time the 21 year old defender has been a part of a senior squad for a league fixture.

Lawrence, who returned to Saints in January from his loan spell at League Two Colchester United, has had an injury-hit season.

An awkward landing saw him suffer a serious ankle ligament injury in August only for his shoulder to be pulled out in his first training session back.

READ MORE: Southampton defender had shoulder pulled out in first training back

Martin has been impressed by the former non-league man since introducing him to first team training.

Nico Lawrence made five appearances for Colchester United (Image: PA)

Speaking after Southampton's draw in Lancashire, Martin explained why he feels Lawrence has a promising future.

He told the Daily Echo: “Nico deserves it. I have been so impressed by him. He works like a dog every day. The shape he is in now compared to when he came is completely different.

"Unfortunately for him, centre-half is the position I love coaching the most because I played there. It is such an important part of the game for us to build up and play that way. 

“He has been getting flogged bless him. He has risen to it because of his brilliant mentality. He has good attributes.

"It is up to us to get the most out of Nico to give him the best chance of playing here. He has the potential to do that.

"I believe he can do that over the long term. I really like him as a kid and as a footballer. He deserved to be in the squad.”