SOUTHAMPTON manager Russell Martin admits that his club’s difficult start to the season has been the steepest learning curve of his managerial career but insists he still has full faith in his players.

Saints set aside their miserable Premier League form — just a single point from nine games — to edge into the League Cup quarter-finals with Tuesday’s last-gasp 3-2 win over Championship club Stoke.

Progression in the cup followed a positive performance in Saturday’s narrow 1-0 loss at champions Manchester City, which prompted praise from rival boss Pep Guardiola.