Martin full of praise for milestone-man Bednarek

Just four minutes had passed when the Poland international headed Saints into the lead at Rotherham, setting the visitors on course for a controlled 2-0 win in Yorkshire.

A mainstay in Martin’s starting XI, the boss expressed his admiration for Bednarek and his performance so far this season.

“When I first came in and had a really good chat with Janny, I’m pretty sure we both thought his future was going to be elsewhere, and then very quickly I took a look at him athletically, the courage he has on the ball, the mentality in training every day, he does every sprint, every action like it’s going to be his last one.

“I really love working with him. He wants to learn, is demanding of his teammates and himself and of us in a really good way. He assesses things so well on the pitch, he looks at how the opposition are pressing, finds solutions. Honestly the courage he shows on the ball, I know all the guys do at the back, but he’s been amazing, been immense for us, and in my opinion one of the best players in the league this season for what he does and what he brings and he’s growing all the time, I think he’s improving all the time and I think he’s been immense for us and I’m really pleased for him today that he could do that.”