Southampton boss Russell Martin lauded West Ham United loanee Flynn Downes as a player with aggression, composure and athleticism.
The 25-year-old midfielder joined Southampton on loan from West Ham in the summer and has impressed in Saints colours this season.
Downes picked up an injury against Huddersfield Town early in February and has missed the last three league games for Southampton.
Martin admitted that the West Ham loanee is a big player for his team and praised him for his aggression, composure and courage.
The Southampton boss also admitted that it would be great if Downes is ready for their next game against Millwall at the weekend.
“He is a big player for us; he is important”, Martin said at a press conference.
“His aggression, his athleticism, his power, his composure, his courage to receive the ball but we have a lot really really good players,
“So if he is fit great or he is ready to start brilliant.
“If he is ready to be on the bench brilliant, if he is not, then we just have to wait for another game.”
Southampton have lost two of the last three games Downes has missed and Martin will be hoping to get the West Ham star back on the pitch as soon as possible.
