Martin calls for pressure to be taken off Dibling and Amo-Ameyaw

The 18 year old academy duo have been among the club's most impressive attackers during the first three friendlies of pre-season.

Youngsters Dibling and Amo-Ameyaw are now recognised by Martin as senior players and found the target in wins against Bordeaux and Montpellier.

Martin - aware of the praise they have received but keen to further develop their tactical understanding - issued an important message.

He told the Daily Echo: "I've seen it so many times when I was at Norwich or as a supporter when everyone's desperate for a young player to come through.

Saints boss Russell Martin is hoping to further develop Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

"When they do it's this weird dynamic where they get more criticism than anyone.  It's like they have to do well because we need them, it's the academy.

"There is no expectation on them other than to work really hard for the club, behave properly in a way that is right for us and the team - and be themselves.

"They're doing that and so far, they're doing it really, really well. The challenge with any young player is that it's not a linear journey.

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"They don't just keep moving upwards. There will be dips and there will be times when we need different things from them," Martin continued. 

"If they continue doing what they're doing, we can all be excited. The boys trust us, their families trust us with them and the academy trusts us with them.

"But it will not help with thousands of people on social media telling them how good they are or telling them they should be playing.

"I think we all just need to appreciate they're very talented and also be very patient with them."

Tyler Dibling is relaxed on his future as we talk pre-season so far, impressing Russell Martin and the demands.

"He's treating us like senior players and being a bit harder. It's only to make us better - and it's helping," he said.

Interview with a top young man! 🇪🇸#SaintsFC

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Clubs in England want to take the youngsters on loan but in current plans, it is more likely one or both remain with the squad for the Premier League.

Winger Amo-Ameyaw started last season as a senior player in the Championship but made only one start before he returned to the under-21s side.

The former Tottenham Hotspur starlet dominated in Premier League 2 and is seen by the coaching staff as a viable substitute option in the top flight.

Midfielder Dibling, meanwhile, was Southampton's academy player of the year and is working on his understanding against the ball in a technical position.