Russell Martin press conference: Southampton vs Everton preview

The players have “pretty much recovered” from the illness which was sweeping through the club. Ryan Fraser is the only doubt for this weekend after coming off early in the Carabao Cup win: “We will have to assess him again in the morning. He trained a little bit today, but we will have to see if he is available.”

There was “a level of pride” after the display in Saints’ defeat at Manchester City last weekend, and “a really good feeling” after the midweek victory against Stoke City.

He feels his players have been “fighting” and “competitive”, despite still not picking up a win in the Premier League this season: “We haven’t felt like we have come away with what we should have, but we have to make sure we put things right. It is a long old season and we have been so competitive and so close. We just need to see one through now – that will help us hugely.”

Everton’s five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League has “changed things dramatically for them” and Martin is “really confident” his side is capable of going on a similar run of form. He added: “It has to start somewhere, so hopefully that is tomorrow.”

On taking on Sean Dyche’s side: “They are in a really good place. They have found a bit of rhythm. They have a manager with so much experience, and a team that is really well organised and good at what they do. I think it is going to be difficult. The challenge for us is to play how we want to play, but they definitely don’t make that easy.”

He added: “We have to try to win the game. The situation we are in is so frustrating, but we have a lot of time to put it right and grow. This game, and the Wolves game, are huge for us. We want to get our first win, get some points, and improve where we are in the table.”

On his relationship with the owners after a difficult start to the campaign: “The owners have been brilliant. Everyone has been so supportive. I don’t think people understand how close we are. I think there’s a level of respect between us all. We are having to do things differently here – we can’t spend loads of money – so we will keep trying to do it in our way until I’m told I’m not required to try any more.”

Adam Lallana is an “amazing character” and Martin is “really happy” with the relationship he has formed with the veteran midfielder: “He asks me lots of questions, I ask him lots of questions. I think we need that experience in the team right now. Adam has a lot of voice on the pitch and off the pitch, so he is a big part of what we’re doing.”