Which Southampton players could benefit from change of manager?

Martin used 31 different players this season across all competitions but favoured some more than others.

Interim boss Simon Rusk may wipe the slate clean for selection, as could the next permanent manager.

Rusk's first game is against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday. Rotation may be favoured ahead of an away trip to Fulham on Sunday.

That could present more fringe players with an opportunity to stamp their authority on the starting XI ahead of the arrival of a new manager.

Southampton are searching for a new manager after sacking Russell Martin (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA) Armel Bella-Kotchap

Armel Bella-Kotchap is the name that immediately springs to mind when you think of a player who could get a chance under a new manager.

Martin had been unwilling to play the 23 year old since his substitute appearance against Cardiff in the Carabao Cup.

The former Saints boss insisted there was no falling out while the German defender took to social media to state "I am just waiting for my chance."

Unlike most Southampton players starved of minutes, Bella-Kotchap has not played for interim boss Rusk's under-21s.

Martin had insisted no player should be forced to play for the under-21s but reaffirmed his belief that the decision ultimately comes down to the individual.

A reemergence for Bella-Kotchap is unlikely at this stage. Saints are heading into the most taxing period of the campaign and he has played such little football over the last 18 months.

With the winter window fast approaching, Southampton may hand him an appearance to place him back in the shop window to generate needed transfer funds.

Armel Bella-Kotchap's only appearance came against Cardiff City (Image: PA) Charlie Taylor

Summer signing Charlie Taylor has not started a game for Saints since their 3-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in September.

The 31 year old did suffer a minor injury but spent a lengthy period out of the squad due to "tactical reasons."

He had returned to the bench against Chelsea and Aston Villa, and came on against the Blues, but was nowhere to be seen against Spurs on Sunday.

READ MORE: Martin explains why summer signing is out Southampton squad

Southampton are already well stocked at left-back with Ryan Manning and Kyle Walker-Peters playing there more recently.

However, those are attacking options whereas Taylor is more defensively sound. Manning has been a top performer recently and will be difficult to dislodge.

Charlie Taylor has started two Premier League games for Southampton. (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA) Joe Aribo

Aribo was hardly a bit part player under Martin this season but the Nigerian international could rightfully be frustrated by his lack of starts.

The former Rangers and Charlton man has only started eight times in the Premier League despite enjoying a quietly successful season on a personal level.

He is Southampton's joint top-scorer in the league - alongside Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer - with two goals.

No matter how well Aribo performed in the previous game, it felt as though he would always drop to the bench in favour of other options.

Aribo has also shown himself capable of doing both sides of the game. A new manager may lean on his experience and versatility during their early stages.

Joe Aribo during Southampton's 5-0 defeat to Spurs. (Image: Stuart Martin).