SAINTS manager Russell Martin reiterated his belief Sam Edozie will be a “top player” at Championship level as he explained his half-time substitution on Friday.

Martin, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Ipswich Town, confirmed the England under-21 international is fit and ready to play.

Edozie netted his second goal of the season in the 4-1 defeat at Leicester City but was substituted by Martin at half-time with Kamaldeen Sulemana his replacement.

Sky Sports had said Edozie, 20, had taken a knock but Martin confirms he was merely tired and an unfortunate consequence of wanting something different from the game.

Asked by the Daily Echo if there is a concern, Martin said: “No, he was fine. He looked quite tired but he’s fine. He was more than good, he scored a really nice goal.

“It was a game where we felt we needed Ryan (Fraser)’s reliability and Kamaldeen (Sulemana)’s explosive pace to try and change the game.

“Someone had to come off and unfortunately for Sam, it was Sam. He will be a really top player, he’s learning as well – he’s so young.”

Martin added: “He’s getting better and better as he’s so willing to listen and to learn. There are things that he agrees with us that he needs to improve on, like any young player.

“He works really hard to do that but he’s got two goals now, looks a real threat going forward and I think he’s growing all the time physically and mentally.

“By the end of the season, he will be a top, top player at this level, for sure,” the boss concluded.

Edozie has started all six matches in the league this season and could be in line for a seventh as Saints look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats.