MANAGER Russell Martin insisted that the ball is in Everton’s court when asked if they could recall Mason Holgate.

The defender missed Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Norwich City on New Year’s Day through injury.

It has been rumoured that Everton could recall Holgate, who has only made five appearances for Saints so far this season.

Martin conceded Southampton would respect the decision if the 27 year old’s loan deal was cut short.

He told the Daily Echo: “He got injured the morning after Plymouth. It is nothing serious.

“He took a bit of a whack, it swelled up, hopefully he will be back for the game on Saturday (against Walsall in the FA Cup.)

“I honestly don’t know (if he will be here at the end of the month). I don’t expect him to be happy with not playing much.

“I don’t expect Everton to be happy with him not playing very much. The ball is very much in their court I think.

“If he wants to leave and go play somewhere else we probably have to respect that and we will be ready for that.

“Either way, if he stays I’m happy. If he goes because he wants to play football and it works for the club financially then maybe we can do something else."

Holgate's last Southampton appearance came back in November when he was named man of the match in a win over West Brom.

He has found it difficult to break into a settled backline with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens ahead of him in the pecking order.

Speaking to the Daily Echo in November, Holgate expressed his desire to play more football.

"It’s difficult as a defender to come in and out of the team. More so as a defender, you need a run of games to be judged off.

"I have really enjoyed it so far, but I am a footballer, I’ve come here and I want to play games.

"All I can do is try and force myself into the team by playing well."