SAINTS boss Russell Martin praised Taylor Harwood-Bellis' mentality to head the ball after the defender scored his third goal of the season.

Harwood-Bellis nodded Saints in front against Stoke City on Tuesday evening, scoring for the second consecutive Carabao Cup tie. 

Pep Guardiola, who gave Harwood-Bellis his professional debut back in 2019, praised the 22 year old's ability from set-pieces after Saturday's defeat against Man City.

The England under-21 captain admitted when speaking to the Daily Echo last month that he has worked hard to improve his ability to 'attack' corners and free-kicks. 

Asked what Harwood-Bellis has done this season to become even more of a threat from set-pieces, Martin said: "I think since he's come in he's been really aggressive. 

"He wants to head the ball. Of course, it comes a bit down to physical prowess and athleticism. I think the biggest thing is having the mentality that you want to go and score.

"Then it's about the detail after that. We are trying to free Taylor up as much as we can - and the quality of the delivery matters.

"But I think the biggest thing is his mentality. He believes he's going to score and he believes he's going to head the ball and he's good at it."