FORWARD Ben Brereton Diaz is set for his first Saints minutes during Saturday's pre-season friendly at Millwall.
The Chile international travelled to Oxford United on Wednesday, having signed earlier in the week, but did not feature.
Russell Martin wanted to give Brereton Diaz, 25, an opportunity to get up to speed following his £7million arrival from Villarreal.
The lads are here. Ben Brereton Diaz is with the squad. Jack Stephens and Adam Armstrong also here. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/HssF1F1Wv5
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) July 31, 2024
Martin told the Daily Echo: "He will play Saturday. I don't know how long for, but he will play.
"We have been assessing where he is at physically because he has had a bit of a break after the Copa America.
"Then assessing what is best for him with the sports science and medical team. We will sit down and have a discussion with him as well to see what he thinks.
"But he has got a bit of information to take on first, so hopefully he will be involved Saturday. I don't know how long for, and we will build him up from there."
Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, where he played the majority of his minutes off the left.
Martin believes the former Blackburn Rovers forward will play on the wing or as a number nine for Saints this season.
"I think he'll play both. Off right, left or as a number nine, tt doesn't really matter. A bit like Arma, he's really flexible.
"(He's a) Good personality. Good athlete. Good character. Good record. Good experience. I'm really, really excited to have him in."
Saints face Championship Millwall at the Den on Saturday, August 3. Kick-off is at 1pm.
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