SAINTS boss Russell Martin dubbed James Bree "a brilliant teammate" before insisting they do not underestimate his value in the squad.

Bree was once again the hero on Tuesday evening when he scored a late winner against Stoke to secure their passage to the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

The 26 year old has played a bit part role this season - his action largely limited to the cup, his only league appearance of the season came against Manchester City last weekend.

Bree was singled out in the St Mary's dressing room at full-time, something which Martin admitted is against the "humble" defender's nature.

"It's nice for Breezy," Martin told the Daily Echo. "I think he's such a good lad as you guys who have had a bit of access to him and have interviewed him will know.

"I think you understand what a good person he is and he's really unassuming, really humble, a brilliant pro, in great shape and looks a million dollars.

"He's always in the gym, trains so hard, can play different positions. He's always willing to do that. Whenever we need him on the pitch, he does a brilliant job for us.

"We don't underestimate his value in the squad. He's been unfortunate in his time here, he's playing behind someone like Kyle Walker-Peters a lot of the time.

"Whenever he's asked to play on the left, he's been great. He's a brilliant teammate and person, I'm really pleased for him and singled him out in the dressing room.

"That is his worst nightmare because he's so humble. He's shy and unassuming but he really deserves it and I'm really pleased for him."

Bree has had to compete with several other full-backs this season, with Yukinari Sugawara and Kyle Walker-Peters ahead of him on his more natural right side.

Although willing to switch across to the left, Bree also has to dislodge Ryan Manning, Charlie Taylor and Ryan Fraser to get into the team.