SAINTS manager Russell Martin backed Dom Ballard to "come back stronger" after he suffered a shoulder injury which could require surgery.

Ballard, 19, joined League One outfit Blackpool on loan this summer after impressing in the division in his first senior spell with Reading last season.

However, goalscorer Ballard's season in Berkshire was cruelly cut short after just 11 appearances when he required surgery on a Patella tendon injury. 

Ballard has headed back out on loan but Tangerines manager Steve Bruce revealed he "popped his shoulder" in their recent 2-0 win over Huddersfield.

Martin admits Saints have not mapped out his rehab yet with the potential for more surgery still on the cards, having already missed over six months of action.

The Saints boss told the Daily Echo: "I found out this morning actually from our medical team and I am really disappointed for Dom.

Dom Ballard registered 62 goals or assists in 67 matches for Saints at professional phase levelDom Ballard registered 62 goals or assists in 67 matches for Saints at professional phase level (Image: Chris Moorhouse - SFC)

"He had a good start to life there and through the manager change. He's a great kid, I know he'll attack his rehab in the same way he did last year after a big injury.

"This can happen, everyone's journey is so different and Dom was on the ascent here and getting really close and then he gets an injury out on loan.

"Then has to go out on loan again and just things can happen and change so quickly in football. We'll touch base with him today.

"I know the medical team have already spoken to him and the Blackpool medical team. It might mean he needs to come back here for a bit to get his rehab done. 

"Or he'll stay there, we'll decide what's best for him and where he's at right now but I've got no doubt Dom will come back stronger and better than he did previously.

"He did with his last big injury. Football and life are not fair sometimes but he'll choose to either suffer and feel sorry for himself or he'll choose to use it to come back better.

"Of course, he'll feel the disappointment and the hurt - we all will for him - but I've got no doubt what choice Dom will make and he'll be more than fine long term.

"It's just another small setback for him. How long he is out depends if he needs an operation or if they'll heal it naturally.

"No operation gets you back quicker but then there's a risk of redoing it so they'll decide that all together and then once they've made the decision I'll speak to him."

Blackpool sit ninth in League One, only outside the play-offs on goal difference, and will hope to welcome Ballard back to action later this campaign.