SAINTS star Stuart Armstrong has been cleared to return to action for the visit of Coventry City to St Mary's.

The 32 year old was ruled out of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers through a concussion sustained at Ipswich Town. 

It was the first league game this season that Armstrong had not featured in either as a starter or from the bench. 

Russell Martin's side missed the creativity of the Scottish international, who has recorded four goals and seven assists this season. 

Martin confirmed that Armstrong will be back available after sitting out for seven days, as per the medical protocol. 

He said: "Stuart's back in the squad. Yeah, and James Bree, obviously.

Daily Echo: Russell Martin was left disappointed with his team's performance on the weekendRussell Martin was left disappointed with his team's performance on the weekend (Image: PA)

"That's a really good thing. There are going to be maybe one or two left out of the squad that will be difficult, for sure. But everyone is fit.

"Everyone is firing and we definitely need a reaction after Saturday. I'm not happy with the performance one bit.

"So, we'll be clear with the players what we thought was the problem on Saturday. I'm happy with the clean sheet.

"I'm happy with the willingness to defend the box and the mentality but I'm not happy with much else about the performance, to be honest." 

Armstrong was due to face media duties last week before needing to be assessed by the medical team for a blow to the head.

He sustained the knock in a challenge with Ipswich Town's Massimo Luongo but has since passed exit assessments carried out.

James Bree will also return to the squad following his one-match suspension after a red card in the closing stages at Portman Road.