SAINTS boss Russell Martin has set Sam Edozie the challenge of breaking back into the team following his failed loan move to Rangers.

Southampton had been hopeful of finalising a deal to allow the 21 year old to gain regular minutes in Scotland after striking deadline day deals for Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet.

The Daily Echo understands that a deal had been agreed but Rangers pulled the plug late on - leaving Saints with no time to find another club for the winger.

Edozie did not travel to Brentford for Saturday's 3-1 defeat in part due to the failed move but also because Martin feels others are more deserving of a spot on the bench.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "What frustrated me was how late it fell through and it wasn't on our end. 

"I think it's a bit unfair to Sam really. It's a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their prerogative and their priorities in the transfer window.

Sam Edozie came off the bench against Newcastle and Nottingham ForestSam Edozie came off the bench against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest (Image: Stuart Martin)
"I was gutted for Sam because it was too late to then find another opportunity to go and play football.

"He'll get to work like everyone else now. Get his head down, work really hard and try and get himself into the squad and into the team.

"He wasn't in it today because of the speculation but also because Sam Amo deserves to be in the squad more than he does right now.

"That's my opinion and that won't be everyone's opinion. It definitely won't be Sam Edozie's. But unfortunately, I'm the guy who takes that hope or the opportunity of him playing away.

"It's the hardest bit of the job. So we'll have a chat. We had a couple of messages already and we'll have a chat on Monday.

"He'll be fine. He needs to find a way to get himself back into the group and really impact things."