GOALSCORER Cameron Archer insisted Russell Martin's "brains" were the main reason he decided to join Saints this summer.

The England youth striker marked his full Saints debut with a brace against Cardiff City on Wednesday as they progressed in the Carabao Cup with a 5-3 win.

Archer, 22, always planned to leave Aston Villa after they activated the buyback clause in his deal following Sheffield United's relegation.

He described this summer as "hectic" and admitted he did not have time to speak with former teammates Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ben Brereton Diaz before a move to Saints was struck.

Speaking in the Welsh capital, Archer told the Daily Echo: "The plan originally was to leave again, no matter how well I did in pre-season.

Cameron Archer completed a £15million move to Saints this monthCameron Archer completed a £15million move to Saints this month (Image: PA)

"Obviously, Saints came in. I spoke with the gaffer and we had a good connection. He told me everything that I wanted to hear, to be honest."

Asked what Martin said to convince him to sign, Archer responded: "I think the brains. I don't think a lot of people see that. Maybe they do.

"When you speak to him, he knows what he's talking about. Behind the scenes, a lot of coaching, and development of players. That's exactly what I wanted."

After two substitute appearances in the Premier League, Archer was handed a maiden start by Martin against Championship outfit Cardiff.

His first Southampton goals both came in front of the travelling fans, who Archer adds he is keen to build a connection with.

"Yeah, I'm really happy. It was my first 90 minutes in a while to be fair, so it's good to get out there and get a win as well," he said. 

"It's always nice to score and feel that connection building with the fans as well. Hopefully, we can just keep on working hard and get the results we need.

"We didn't obviously expect this kind of game, but we knew Cardiff were physical and strong," Archer added, assessing his opponents. 

"We knew we were in for a good match but at the end of the game, we found a way to win - so it was nice."