Southampton Manager Russell Martin clarifies on the playing time given to Tyler Dibling

The 18 year old has played 444 minutes for Saints since the September international break, in which he also featured twice for England's under-19s. His total Premier League minutes (495) are nearly four times as many as the next most involved under-18, Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljković. Saints fans will be wary of burnout when it comes to Dibling, after seeing the long-term injuries suffered by Tino Livramento and Romeo Lavia at St Mary's. Livramento lost a year to a meniscus and cruciate ligament tear while Lavia has only just bounced back from persistent hamstring concerns. "I think whilst he's performing and looks good it will be dictated by him and his performances and how he feels," said Martin when asked about Dibling.  "He's a very good athlete, physically very good so he's robust and has been up until now in his career - and very resilient, so hopefully we won't have those issues. "Hopefully, he can keep performing for us - but there may be a time when he comes out of the team because he gets fatigued." Dibling was handed the October international break as rest, withdrawing from the England youth squad and taking a personal trip to Paris.  The academy graduate had never started a senior league match before this season but has now begun five in succession, ahead of the trip to Man City. Martin reassured supporters of his condition and added: "It's a big difference and a big jump for him but at the minute he seems fine." Dibling looks set to keep his place in the starting lineup for the visit to Etihad Stadium, as winless Saints take on Pep Guardiola's title challenger.