SAINTS manager Russell Martin insisted the Kyle Walker-Peters situation has not changed but added "he can help us" after his return to the team.

Walker-Peters, 27, played 60 minutes in Southampton's 0-0 draw with Getafe - their final pre-season game before the start of the Premier League.

It was the defender's first appearance this summer after Martin admitted he was not being used due to ongoing uncertainty over his future.

Walker-Peters has less than 12 months left on his Saints contract and, despite being offered a new deal, is exploring his options in the transfer market.

Asked what his return to the team means, Martin told the Daily Echo: "What it means is he can help us on the pitch whilst he's here. 

Manager Russell Martin during the pre-season match between Saints and GetafeManager Russell Martin during the pre-season match between Saints and Getafe (Image: Stuart Martin)

"We've kept him out of certain games but he's trained like a beast and he's such a fit boy. He's a brilliant athlete.

"There has been a lot of noise and sometimes it's not easy for players - but I think we're in the same position that we were for the whole pre-season.

"Now it's that close to the season, it makes no sense to leave him out anymore because he can help us if he's still here. I hope he is still here."

Martin added: "Whilst he's still here, a bit like James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Tella last year, he can definitely help us."

Martin reiterated his hope to add further signings to the squad ahead of the visit to European qualification hopefuls Newcastle United on Saturday.

"Sometimes I feel something's really close and it's really far away," Martin admitted. "And then something seems so far away and it changes so quickly.

"I don't know. I think the intention is to try and add to the group before the first game if we can. If it takes a bit longer then it takes a bit longer."