SAINTS manager Russell Martin does not think Adam Armstrong needs any added motivation as he prepares to face his former side at St Mary's.

The former Blackburn Rovers talisman is also locked in a contest with their new hitman, Sammie Szmodics, to be the Championship's top goalscorer. 

Armstrong, 26, has scored or assisted at least one goal in each of his last eight matches going into Southampton's first league meeting with Blackburn since 2005.

Only Sammie Szmodics, who has netted 14 goals from attacking midfield, betters Armstrong's 12 strikes in 21 appearances. 

Signed for £15million from Rovers in August 2021, he scored a total 28 goals in his final Championship season to earn a Premier League move. 

Speaking ahead of Saturday's contest, Martin said: "I don't think he will care one bit who it is against, he had a great time at Coventry on Wednesday.

"He played really well but would have been frustrated not to score. He will want to put that right for sure.

"I don't think facing Blackburn will add any extra motivation as the supporters know how good he is and any players who were there with him know how good he is.

"He has nothing to prove to anyone there but Arma's thing is to prove to himself and everyone here how good he is and how important he is."

Armstrong only found the net four times in 53 Premier League appearances before the club's relegation to the second tier this summer. 

Martin hopes, should he help fire Saints back to the top flight, that Armstrong can continue his fine form from this season despite the step up in level. 

He continued: "Adam Armstrong has found a style of play that he really fits with, a team that he really fits with. I'm sure there is one question people will still have.

"It's that he is in the Championship again, a league where he is really good. We aim to get to the Premier League.

"Then, we want Adam to show how good he is in the Premier League because it is all about fit and what is good for him.

"Without being disrespectful to anyone, he is much better suited to the style of play now than he was here previously so maybe it is as simple as that. 

"It's not like we have come in and transformed him tactically or physically or anything like that. Maybe mentally a bit, because it is a good fit.

"Hopefully, we have given him a few bits that will help but he has always been a really good player and I am pleased he now has a chance to show it."