Southampton defeated Sunderland 4-2 at St Mary’s on the weekend to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.
After their mid-week game against Preston North End was postponed due to a nearby fire, The Saints returned to action on Saturday afternoon and produced a clinical display.
Russell Martin‘s side went two goals up in the first half before being pegged back with 20 minutes of the 90 remaining.
The former Swansea City manager turned to his bench and brought on Bournemouth loanee Joe Rothwell who netted a brace to become the match-winner.
Martin was full of praise for the 29-year-old post-match.
Russell Martin heaps praise on Joe Rothwell
Speaking following Southampton’s thrilling victory against Sunderland, Martin heaped praise on his super sub.
“Joe is an amazing finisher. The first one looks easy but it isn’t, it is on the half volley, and then with the second, he’s shown great composure,” the 38-year-old said.
The Saints boss admitted that Rothwell, who has started just two league games since arriving in Janaury, can be frustrated at his lack of game time.
“He was really great when he came on. He and Joe Aribo can be frustrated that they aren’t starting because of the quality of options we have in that position.
“Rothwell and Aribo can be frustrated that they are not playing because they were fantastic at Anfield – on one of the toughest stages, but they have two guys in front of them who have been playing really well.
“It is good problems for me but they have to keep doing what they have been doing when they get on to the pitch and being frustrated at not playing.”
Joe Rothwell to start v Middlesborugh
Southampton now have 18 days to rest before they play host to play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough at the end of March.
The international break serves as a great opportunity to rest and recoup heading into the business end of the season.
Ahead of the Boro clash, Martin will surely be devising a way to get Rothwell in the side, who has produced two match-winning performances now during his short time at the club.
The 29-year-old has given his boss a selection dilemma, as he contends with the idea of dropping one of Will Smallbone or Flynn Downes.
Saints’ near three-week break will also allow Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Fraser sufficient recovery time to return in time for Boro.