SAINTS boss Russell Martin admitted Nathan Wood is "not happy" with his lack of minutes this season before insisting the defender is "not far away".

Wood has been limited to two Carabao Cup appearances and one game with the under-21s so far since joining from Swansea City in the summer.

The 22 year old has a long-standing relationship with Martin, who signed him at Swansea having failed to capture him previously at MK Dons.

Signed with the future in mind, the England youth international is currently behind Jack Stephens, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek in the pecking order.

Wood has travelled with the squad for Premier League fixtures this season; he was named as a substitute on the opening day at Newcastle and at home against Ipswich.

Nathan Wood joined Southampton from Swansea this summer (Image: Stuart Martin) READ MORE: 'He's outstanding' - Saints loanee receives high praise from Accrington Stanley boss

The Boro academy graduate was also a late addition to the bench at Wolves last Saturday, coming in for Joe Aribo after he replaced the injured Flynn Downes in the starting line-up.

Asked by the Daily Echo how Wood has dealt with not playing, Martin said: "He's had to be more than patient and he's not happy with not playing.

"Woody and I have a good relationship. We have worked together for quite a while now. It has not always been easy for him.

"He trains hard, he trains like a beast. That's all you can ask of them. I always say to the players (who aren't playing) if you have frustration, come and speak to me in the office about it.

"On the pitch, in training, you need to be 100 per cent on it. He's not far away. He is a really talented young player and we have a lot of them. He deserved to be the next one on the bench against Wolves."