Southampton's Martin makes 'long-term plan' admission about Amo-Ameyaw

Amo-Ameyaw, 18, scored in the previous round against Cardiff City but did not enter the pitch at Goodison Park as Martin opted to introduce Tyler Dibling.

The England under-19 international's only Premier League appearance so far this season came at Newcastle United on the opening weekend.

Martin admitted Amo-Ameyaw is not at the same physical level as his counterparts Maxwel Cornet and Dibling, who are ahead of him in the pecking order.

The boss told the Daily Echo: "I think it's difficult for him because Tyler played so well.

"Max Cornet has come in. Adam Armstrong played 40-odd games at right wing last season. 

"He's 18. He's already played a fair amount of minutes for us over the last season and a bit for his age. I think it's a lot compared to others. 

"He trains with us every single day and he has to keep improving. He's a really talented player but he's physically not where Tyler is yet. 

Sam Amo-Ameyaw came on against Newcastle on the opening weekend (Image: PA)"He's not where Maxi is yet. So we just have to be a bit patient with him. He's a supreme talent and we love working with him. 

"We're really excited and he'll be disappointed not to get on the pitch against Everton. But again, I get paid to try and win a game of football.

"I felt that it was a game for Tyler to come on with his physicality. We're playing against a team that are big, strong, physical. 

"Hopefully it was the right decision. So Sam will be fine. We spent a lot of time working with him and a lot of conversations.

"I actually get on really well with his agent which is not like me because I don't really get on well with them.

"I've had a long relationship with him so he understands there's a long-term plan with Sam. and we'll just keep assessing his role and his situation."