Southampton boss Russell Martin is of the view that West Ham United loan star Flynn Downes has huge experience and stated that Saints have to find a replacement for the game against Coventry City.
Downes joined Southampton on a season-long loan from West Ham this summer and has been a regular in Martin’s starting line-up.
However, the 24-year-old midfielder, who has been deployed as a defensive midfielder by Martin this season, is set to miss their clash against Coventry City on Wednesday.
The Southampton boss hailed the West Ham midfielder as a leader and believes that he has a tough task on his hands to replace a player like Downes, who has huge experience, in the upcoming game against Coventry City.
Martin used 20-year-old Shea Charles during the game against Watford in the absence of Downes at the weekend and thinks that the youngster did well in the game on Saturday.
“He’s a leader and you’re replacing someone who has played hundreds of games at this level,” Martin said at a press conference.
“Shea Charles is a really brilliant signing for now and for the future.
“With youth sometimes come mistakes, but he did great.”
Now it remains to be seen, in the absence of Downes, whether Charles will be able to step up and help the team maintain their momentum in the Championship
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