Southampton head coach Russell Martin praised Rubin Colwill as a “really talented player” after his stunning strike for Cardiff City against the Saints in the Carabao Cup.

After being left out of Wales’ squad for their Nations League matches against Turkey and Montenegro in September, national team manager Craig Bellamy was on hand to watch Colwill’s powerful strike at Cardiff City Stadium.

And Martin admitted he has long been an admirer of the 22-year-old, having watched Colwill’s progress with Wales during his own time as head coach of Swansea City.

“Their (Cardiff’s) first goal is a brilliant moment from a player I’ve liked for a long time. He’s a really talented player,” Martin said of Colwill.

“I think he needs to become a really good Championship player (before he thinks about the Premier League). He hasn’t played enough games and needs to get into the Cardiff team regularly.”

“But I saw a lot of him when I played for the Wales Under-21s (at Swansea). I watched most of the Wales Under-21s and first team games. I kept bumping into his father when I was travelling and we always had a chat.”

Martin added: “I’m not his manager so I don’t see him every day but he’s got to make sure he’s the first name on the Cardiff teamsheet because he has moments like tonight and I’ve seen some moments from him over the last few years that a lot of players just don’t have. Really special.”

“But he has to make sure he can make use of that special talent by spending more time on the pitch than he does now. I hope I haven’t spoken at the wrong time, but that would be my assessment.”