MANAGER Russell Martin believes overage player Ben Reeves can enable Southampton's youngsters to "grow and learn."

Academy graduate Reeves, 32, has re-joined the club to work in the under-21s set-up to mentor Southampton's next generation of players.

Martin previously worked with Reeves during his time at MK Dons and is delighted to reconnect with the midfielder.

The boss insisted Reeves is keen to help Southampton's academy players as they look to follow in his footsteps. 

The former Northern Ireland international made 13 appearances for Saints before enjoying a successful playing career in the Football League.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "I love Reeves as a guy. I managed to meet him at MK Dons, he's Just a top character.

"He came through here and he wants to help the young guys. It's something we spoke about at the end of last season. He came in to watch how we were working.

"And to see if I'd improved as a manager since I've worked with him because I didn't play him very much," Martin joked.

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(Image: Stuart Martin)
"He'll be great for the young lads. The club had good success with Olly Lancashire performing that role before with the under-21s.

"I think it's just really important to have someone in there who is a good professional, who can show the guys how to behave and how to train every single day.

"He is definitely still good enough to help them on the pitch and he's played in the style of play before. We trust him and he trusts us.

"In the same way that Andy Surman is the under-18s assistant coach now, someone who understands the club and has been through what the guys have been through.

"I think that's so important, that experience to help them and enable them to grow and learn. 

"I think he's a brilliant addition to us. I've enjoyed watching him train. It's been nice to reconnect with him. He'll be really good for that group."