Martin issues Walker-Peters update
Russell Martin shared "fairly positive news" about Kyle Walker-Peters, who won't be set for an extended period on the sidelines after being forced off in midweek against Liverpool.
Saints' reliable full-back was introduced off the bench at Anfield in Wednesday night's Emirates FA Cup clash, but lasted just 17 minutes before being withdrawn again with a slight injury concern.
However, there was relief for Martin who confirmed that Walker-Peters will miss the SkyBet Championship return against Birmingham but won't be absent for too long.
"He won't be very long out, tomorrow will be a stretch I think but it was really good news with Kyle." Martin confirmed.
"Hopefully [he'll be] involved in one of the two games after that or both, but if not he'll definitely be back after the [international] break so it was fairly positive news."
With the league run-in now his side's sole focus, Martin added how important handling his entire squad will be before one final international break this month.
"We want to go into that international break in a good place and feeling good about things, with good energy and good feeling.
"We have a lot of guys that will go away on international duty and we want to feel good about the run in because after the international break that is it. There will be no respite, there will be no break, it will be full on and it's so exciting.
"We're already trying to work out the best way to utilise that break because there'll be a little bit of rest needed for some of them after 11 games in 35 days, and ourselves as well, but also it's a brilliant time to get some real work on the training pitch ahead of the last nine games.
"We'll try and utilise it in the best way but I think if we can go into it in a really good place with a big week this week it will help everything in that preparation period."
