Martin insists Southampton will attempt to keep out of contract trio

Forward Che Adams and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy may have played their last games for Saints at Wembley as they won promotion back to the Premier League.

Injured Stuart Armstrong, who watched on from the stands, is also out of contract this summer.

When speaking to the Daily Echo, McCarthy explained that he is yet to think about his future or if he would like Saints to table a new deal.

Asked if he wants the trio to stay next season, Martin said: “Yeah, we'll try and keep all three. I think that's been the plan the whole time. Whether or not we can, I don't know. 

“I know that there will be offers for all of them and probably offers that will pay them more than we can.

“Hopefully the feeling they have will outweigh (any) financial gain but maybe there'll be other things about it too.

“Whether that is location, club, how they feel about it - but we'll do our very best to try and keep all three.

“I think all three of them have been really outstanding. We've missed Stuey since he's been injured.

“The effort Che put in to get fit to be on that pitch, I don't think I'll ever take for granted. I feel so grateful to him for doing that.

Che Adams is out of contract at Southampton this summer (Image: PA)

“And then Big Al, I guess I'm a bit of an idiot for not playing him a bit sooner but I think we have such a brilliant goalkeeping department here with Gavin (Bazunu) and Joe (Lumley) as well.”

Martin explained his pride at seeing Jack Stephens lead his side up the Wembley balcony to celebrate promotion.

Stephens skippered Saints to a 1-0 win over Leeds United in the Championship playoff final on Sunday.

The 30 year old was in tears as he spoke to the Daily Echo after the match, detailing the ups and downs of the season.

Asked about Stephens, Martin said: “I'm glad that Jack's given himself a moment like that.

“He knows what I feel about him, he's one of the best human beings I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

“He cares so deeply, he's so intense and as a leader he's really grown this year. I think he'll continue growing in his role as the captain.

Captain Jack Stephens and manager Russell Martin lift playoff trophy (Image: PA)

“Some of the stuff he does on the pitch is amazing. He's played that position for us for the last however long and did it with so much energy, intensity, and wants to learn all the time.

“They're a big part of the process, especially the guys at the back when we're trying to build up, what we do and always ask questions and want to learn.

“He is the same as Taylor (Harwood-Bellis), who becomes our player now, which is really nice.

“I'm so pleased for Jack after last season being away from the club that he loves.

“In my opinion, that was madness. I wasn't here then but for him to have that day today is beautiful.”