Daniel Farke is relishing a reunion with Russell Martin as Leeds prepare to face Southampton this weekend. 

The pair worked together for a brief period at Norwich City in 2017 but Martin wasn't a major part of the German's squad at Carrow Road. 

Farke opted for other defensive options and Martin subsequently joined MK Dons after spells with Rangers and Walsall. 

Martin made just seven appearances under Farke being before omitted from the first team picture by the German. 

Despite their short period working together in Norfolk, Farke saw managerial credentials in Martin before his coaching career began. 

"On a personal level, it is always great. He was a great player and a great human being," Farke said at his pre-match press conference. 

"He was a great character, we worked together for a few months but you could sense that he had all that is necessary to be a top-class coach.

"This is what he is showing at the moment. Even at this stage, I was 100 per cent sure that he would work at a top level.

“I am looking forward to seeing him because he is a great character and a great guy. We are also aware that we are facing a well-coached team and for that we are respectful."

Martin finds himself under-fire at St Mary's after four straight defeats for his side but Farke's Leeds are showing signs of serious improvement having stretched their unbeaten run to six matches last weekend. 

Farke has backed Martin to get through his tricky spell on the south coast and is backing him to reach the top level as a coach. 

The Pink Un: Daniel Farke’s Leeds are moving in the right direction. Daniel Farke’s Leeds are moving in the right direction. (Image: PA Images)

"He is a really good coach, he has a great future in the game," Farke said. 

"He has done excellently at his former clubs. When you face him you know that you will always play against a strong opponent and a well-structured team.

"You are more concentrated on the task because it will be complicated to play against his side."