MANAGER Russell Martin praised Flynn Downes for his captain performance in Southampton's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.

Downes, 25, wore the armband in the absence of club captain Jack Stephens, who was serving a suspension following his red card against Manchester United.

Summer signing Downes had been skipper during pre-season, rotating with defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, while Stephens was unable to play.

This was Downes' first Premier League game as captain - and it came against his former club Ipswich, who he captained before joining Russell Martin at Swansea.

The boss praised the midfielder before pointing out a number of players he felt did well despite failing to earn a first win of the season.

He said: "I thought he was good, I thought he was really, really good. I thought there were some brilliant performances on the pitch.

"Mateus Fernandes and Flynn played well. I thought the two centre-backs were excellent and Charlie (Taylor) came in for his first game and was great.

"Yuki was outstanding. Tyler. Wee Man was great. I don't think anyone played poorly. We just need to keep doing what we are doing."

As captain, Downes appeared to take some responsibility for the late goal conceded when speaking to Southampton's media team.

He said: "We have got to control the game better. I take that on my head. We have got to do better really."

Downes could be named captain once again next Monday when Southampton visit AFC Bournemouth.

He admitted that playing alongside former Saints captain Adam Lallana, 36, and Mateus Fernandes, 20, was a privilege.

Downes concluded: "Ads has that Premier League experience, which helps. They are both really talented players."