Southampton: Russell Martin reveals Ross Stewart and Che Adams chances of playing v Leeds United | OneFootball

Southampton manager Russell Martin spoke on the fitness of Ross Stewart and Che Adams after reaching the Championship play-off final.

Saints ran out 3-1 winners over West Bromwich Albion last night, in what was a memorable evening at a bouncing St.Mary's.

Perhaps even more impressively, they were able to book their ticket to Wembley without the services of Scottish striking duo Adams and Stewart, two proven goalscorers at Championship level.

Stewart was an unused substitute in last night's victory, whereas Adams did not feature in the matchday squad.

This has rightly drawn some level of concern amongst the fanbase as to whether two key figures will be available for their play-off final showdown with Leeds, but Martin's post match comments in the Daily Echo should ease those concerns.

Adams fit for the final

Martin was asked if it was a case of not risking the 27-year-old against West Brom, to which Martin said: "Yeah, he will be, for sure. He will be involved. Whether that's starting or one the bench, he will definitely, definitely be involved.

"For him, the risk did outweigh the reward in the end because he still felt a little something.

"Fair play to him, he said he would try. He said 'If I'm needed, I'll give you 10 minutes off the bench, 15 minutes or whatever.' He will be ready in some capacity for the final."

The Scotland international has bagged 16 goals and four assists in the Championship this season, and his availability could prove to be decisive come play-off final day.

Stewart expected to be fully fit for final

Stewart returned to action on the final day of the Championship season vs Leeds, after missing 161 days due to a hamstring injury.

The Scottish international was able to play 18 minutes in the play-off semi-final first leg, but was only deemed fit enough to make the bench for the return leg last night.

Quizzed on Stewart's fitness levels ahead of Saints' biggest 90 minutes of the season, Martin said: "He's (Stewart) fine, yeah.

"He took a whack in the first leg, but he's taken part in some training and he was only going to be used tonight if we really, really needed him.

"We are really expecting him to be fully fit and recovered in time for the final as well. It could be two really big options for us."

"The Loch Ness Drogba" has built a reputation for himself as an EFL marksman that would befit his legend-inspired nickname.

And should Martin's predictions come true, then his return could set him up for the birthing of a new Southampton legend at Wembley.

Adams & Stewart could make the difference at Wembley

One aspect of Southampton's 2023/24 side that has never been in question is the firepower that Martin has amid his ranks.

In fact, when all three are fully fit, you can make the case for Adam Armstrong, Adams and Stewart being the most dangerous and deepest striking trio in the entire division.

Martin has often been seen deploying a two or a three forwards system, and being able to partner Armstrong with either one of or perhaps even both Adams and Stewart, could be too much for Leeds' defence to contain.

Saints fans won't have needed this news to feel any more excited about their date with destiny, but it will have made them far more confident that they will have their day in the sun at the home of football.