'You feel the anger' - Everton defender return not ruled out after being dropped

Southampton manager Russell Martin has conceded that Mason Holgate could return to Everton next month.

Holgate joined the Championship side on a season-long deal during the summer transfer window. However, the defender has so far only made five appearances for the Saints.

As a result of his lack of playing time, it has been claimed that the Goodison Park club could recall the 27-year-old next month. And while Saints boss Martin could not rule out the possibility of Holgate leaving the club during the January transfer window, he does hope that the centre-back will remain at Saint Mary's.

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"There has been no conversation about that as far as I am aware,” he told the Daily ECHO.

"Mason came back into the team and did really well after a difficult start, he can't do anything else than play really well and be a good teammate.

"I took him out of the team because I felt Janny deserved his place back following suspension. The most frustrating thing is that he cannot control that

"That was my decision and it was tough. I've left someone, who has been really great, out for the game tomorrow and the conversation is not easy.

"When you care about them it's a horrible conversation and it's why leadership can be very lonely, you feel the anger they feel towards you.

"Mason has been a victim of that and he hasn't done anything wrong, he's looked like the player I knew we were signing when he came back into the team."

He then continued: "He is out of the team because the other guys have played well and that is frustrating for him. I can't sit here and say he is definitely staying.

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