Russell Martin insists Rovers are a dangerous side – but says Southampton didn’t let Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men play their usual game at St Mary’s.

Samuel Edozie and Stuart Armstrong scored either side of half time before Sekou Mara and Carlos Alcaraz wrapped up the result at the death.

Rovers played most of the second half with 10 men after Callum Brittain was sent off for a second bookable offence.

“They are a very good team, I enjoy watching them play,” said Martin. “They use the ball so well and have energy.

“To turn it into that (type of game), the way we did in the first half, it is down to the lads.

“We hunted the ball back relentlessly and won it back so many times in their half when they were trying to build out. We didn’t let them get into their flow and when they do that, they are really good.

He added: "I worked with Callum Brittain at MK Dons and he is a really good player, but you have to make the most of that when he gets sent off.”

Southampton are now unbeaten in their last 14 league games as they aim to bounce back from last season’s relegation from the top flight.

The Saints are fourth in the Championship table, only behind third-place Leeds on goal difference at this stage. However, there is a 10-point gap to the current top two, Leicester and Ipswich.

"We should have scored before Edozie's goal but Gavin Bazunu did well to smother a chance they had at the other end,” Martin continued.

"Sammy was brilliant today. It was not a goal you expect him to score but it helped us because it unlocked it for us. 

"It was about preventing counter-attacks and risking the ball in the right area, winning it back quickly.

"I am convinced it was not Blackburn's gameplan to come here and sit like that having watched them on the road. 

"It was because of the intensity of our team so I am really proud of them and don't take that for granted.

“We are going to have to be patient at times. We didn't look bored or impatient and we attacked when it was right, moving the ball quickly."