Martin on Harwood-Bellis, O'Neil and 'outstanding' Sugawarapublished at 14:00 GMT 8 November 2024
Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist
Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League trip to Wolves (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He began with a squad update: "It's pretty much as is. 'Wee Man' [Ryan Fraser] has trained for the last couple of days, but it's probably too early to be in the squad. Everyone else seems to be good."
On Taylor Harwood-Bellis' England call-up: "It's brilliant for the club. For us, he's been huge. We've had a difficult start and in the last few weeks we've seen him grow a lot as a character and leader on the pitch. He has to keep improving - he's an extremely talented young man. I'm delighted for him."
On summer signing Yukinari Sugawara: "I think he's been outstanding to adapt to a different culture and environment. The only thing that has disrupted his season is the knock against Leicester and the amount of travelling he does [with Japan during the international breaks]. It's hard for him to come back with freshness and energy. I think he's been amazing and is ready for the Premier League."
Martin praised Aaron Ramsdale for his national team call-up as well as Tyler Dibling, who also earned his first call-up to England's Under-21 squad.
On Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, who was Martin's team-mate during his playing days: "I look forward to catching up with him. I had a lot of time for him as a team-mate and as a person. I think he's done a great job and did great last season. I have no doubt they [Wolves] will hit their stride at some point."
Martin dismissed the idea of Wolves being an easier match than others: "The challenge is always the same - to impose the game you want and be aware of the opposition threat. I'm sure Gary is preparing his team in the same way."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news









