Will Smallbone: Southampton midfielder credits boss Russell Martin for best-ever goals return
Last updated on .From the section Southampton
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.
The midfielder signed his first professional contract with Southampton in February 2017 having been part of the club's academy system.
Saints are within touching distance of the automatic promotion places as it stands, fourth in the division, three points away from third-placed Leeds United and four points behind Leicester City in second.
The top three in the Championship have not won either of their last two games but Martin's side have taken maximum points from their past three and have a game in hand on Leeds and leaders Ipswich Town.
"It's always been our aim to get back up to the Premier League," Smallbone said.
"Since the first moment in pre-season we've said we want to do it automatically.
"It's exciting in these last four games what can happen, as long as we put in four strong performances and win them all I think we'll be about there."
In Saints remaining matches, they will face Cardiff City and Stoke City but also have the daunting task of travelling away to promotion rivals Leicester City before taking on Daniel Farke's Leeds United on the final day of the Championship season at Elland Road.
