Russell Martin has been speaking to the press about the fitness of his squad ahead of his team's clash with Middlesbrough at St Mary's and Southampton supporters will be encouraged by what he has to say.

The Daily Echo has been reporting from Russell Martin's press conference ahead of the sell out home game against Middlesbrough.

The first encouraging news is that although Ross Stewart & Juan Larios are not ready to return to full training just yet, they have taken a big step forward by returning to training on grass, whether that could see either available to play some part this season is yet to be seen.

"Big Ross Stewart is back on the grass doing light work and will slowly be reintegrated back into the group."

“As I’ve said before, we shouldn’t expect too much from him. It’s great to have him back in amongst things.”

But the real good news if that both Kyle Walker Peters and Ryan Fraser have been back in training and have been passed fit to re-join the squad on Friday.

“Everyone is in a good place. Wee Man and Kyle have looked like they’ve never been away. They are now available for the run-in, which is fantastic.

The other two doubts were David Brooks & Jan Bednarek who both suffered bouts of illness during their spell of International duty meaning both did not play a full part.

However Martin reports that both are going to be available for this match.

“Janny took a kick in the first game for Poland before the Wales game. He managed to get through the game as good as he could.

“He also felt a bit of a virus, the same as Brooksy. They have both been assessed yesterday and look reasonably good.

“We have to make sure we are completely right, but they are both available for tomorrow. They will both be involved.

“I think Brooksy feels he could have played on a bit, but also understands that he wasn’t feeling at his best. He has been ill for three or four days in bed.

“Luckily for us, both are ready to be involved tomorrow. Rhys (Owen, head of conditioning) was at the game and text us to say they are both off. Thankfully it’s positive news."

So good news coming out of Staplewood ahead of what is an important game, with 3 points being essential in the first of the two game Easter programme.

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