Smallbone insists 'everyone pulling together' due to Martin's mindset

Academy graduate Smallbone has been leading by example during the opening three friendlies of the summer with Saints recording three wins from three.

The 24 year old is set to feature in the club's fourth match - an evening trip to Championship newcomers Oxford United at Kassam Stadium.

Smallbone has only played a bit-part role in the Premier League previously but after two seasons in the second division is ready to be a key man.

"We're obviously not fearful but we're aware of the teams, what they can do and how much quality they have," he told the Daily Echo.

Will Smallbone looks set to wear the number eight shirt this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I think it's a challenge that we want to go into head-on. The gaffer is the gaffer, he'll never change the way he wants us to play or the messages he gives us.

"We, as a group of players, have kind of caught that off the manager and we're now in that same mindset and everyone's pulling in the same direction."

He added: "I think it's a really exciting time, you know, going through pre-season. Everyone wants that first game to come and can't wait for that first game to come.

"But I think when it does come, I'm sure we'll be more than ready. On the first day I came in, the lads were already tired.

"I was thinking, you know, it's going to be a tough pre-season - but it's been good. We had a good game against Eastleigh to get the legs going again.

"Then we had good tests against unknown sides. We didn't know what they were going to bring and it was on a very hot and dry pitch.

"It was probably as tough as it will be for us. It was definitely a lot hotter down there than it is up here," Smallbone insisted.

Smallbone has impressed manager Martin playing alongside midfield partners Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo - despite the club looking to sign another.

Saints take on Oxford United in their fourth friendly of seven from 7:30pm tonight, with Martin taking two teams of 11 for the clash.