SAINTS manager Russell Martin is confident Flynn Downes will be available for Saturday's match despite his half-time substitution. 

The integral midfielder came off for Shea Charles in the interval during Tuesday evening's 3-0 win over Preston at St Mary's. 

Downes has been playing through the busy schedule at slightly under 100 per cent fitness and took another knock on the way to the win. 

Charles came on in his place with Saints already three goals up and cruising, with Martin explaining the decision.

He told the Daily Echo: "I think he took a little bit of a knock. 

Daily Echo: Flynn Downes is considered by many to be Southampton's most important playerFlynn Downes is considered by many to be Southampton's most important player (Image: Stuart Martin)

"There's just no point in risking anything with him right now. He's been such an important player. Shea Charles was great when he came on. 

"I thought the subs were all good. They had a really good impact on the game, but Shea, coming on at half-time, was really good. 

"Kept the ball ticking, won it a lot, intercepted a lot, made contact with people. He's a really good player. He's just been unfortunate. 

"He's playing behind, as I've said to you so many times, the best one. But now we know he can do it," Martin added.

"Flynn, hopefully, will be fit for Saturday. I'm sure he will - but if not, we have a really brilliant player to step in." 

Saints visit Cardiff City on Saturday, April 20, before the trip to promotion rivals Leicester City next Tuesday. 

Martin's side know they must win all four of their remaining fixtures to stand the best chance of securing automatic promotion.