MANAGER Russell Martin insisted Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh is one of several "really promising players" in Southampton's academy right now.

O'Brien-Whitmarsh, 19, travelled with Saints to Goodison Park for their Carabao Cup tie against Everton last Tuesday.

He took part in the warmups, alongside the substitutes, despite not being in the squad in order to gain a feel for the top level.

The former Cork City midfielder's senior Saints debut came in the previous round at Cardiff City when he entered in the final minutes.

O'Brien-Whitmarsh has trained with the senior team, featuring once in pre-season, and remains a regular for the under-21s.

He has already scored twice this season in the Premier League 2 after the club opted against sending him on loan.

“There is a lot of really promising players (in the academy)," Martin explained. "We happened to choose Joe on that night because we weren’t sure about the fitness of one of our players.

“Unfortunately for Joe, he wasn’t involved. But for him to be around the team again, for where he has come from, is good.

“There was a lot of loan opportunities for Joe but he was injured last year and we felt it was best for him to stay in the building.

“He will develop with us and train with us. He’s done it a lot. He’s been really, really impressive. He is one of a long list of players in the academy who have huge potential.

“We have to make sure we have a clear pathway for him and a clear plan. At the minute, it involves him being around first-team training and performing really well for the under-21s.”

Irish youth international O'Brien-Whitmarsh joined Southampton from three-time League of Ireland champions Cork City in January.

He arrived having made 27 senior appearances in his native Ireland, scoring four times and providing one assist.