Back to the Southampton Newsfeed

Will Smallbone: Southampton midfielder credits boss Russell Martin for best-ever goals return

Southampton's Will Smallbone says the best goal-scoring return of his career this season is down to the work he has done with boss Russell Martin.

The midfielder has netted five times in the Championship this term, a feat he puts down to Martin's encouragement.

"Scoring goals is something I've wanted to add to my game," Smallbone, 24, told BBC Radio Solent.

"There's been a big emphasis from the manager for me to get in the box more to get in those positions."

Smallbone, whose first-minute goal put Saints on their way to a 3-2 win over Watford on Saturday, has been a regular in Martin's side this season, making 39 appearances after spending last season on loan at Stoke City.