Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
AUSTIN POWER FIRES HUGHES
MARK HUGHES is backing Charlie Austin to fire Southampton to a miracle relegation escape – starting against south coast rivals Bournemouth tomorrow.
Saints are four points adrift of safety with just four games to play after winning only one of their last 21 Premier League matches.
Austin remains their top scorer with seven goals despite missing three months of the season with a dislocated shoulder. Boss Hughes (right) said: “Charlie’s fine and available.
“It was unfortunate when he dropped out because he was playing well and scoring goals. The injury was significant, so he’s taken time to get back up to speed.
“But he’s there now. We’re pleased with what he’s showing – getting shots off and causing problems. That’s what he’s always done, testing goalkeepers.
“Given a run of games, Charlie will always score goals. We need him fit and well. We’re just pleased he’s available and in form. He’s great round the lads, in the dressing room as well.”
Saints have not seen the new manager bounce effect they were hoping for when Hughes replaced the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino.
The ex-manchester City and Stoke chief has taken just one point from four league games but remains convinced he can beat the drop.
Hughes said: “I’m confident because I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen.
“Our fixtures have been difficult – we have played Chelsea twice, Arsenal, Leicester and West Ham away, one home game.
“I had to come in and make a difference, but now we need performances and a result.”
Hughes has confirmed bad boy Sofiane Boufal has apologised to his team-mates over the pair’s dressing-room bust-up.
Hughes, who threw a water bottle at Boufal after Saints’ former record signing refused to warm up when he was sub during the defeat to Chelsea, said: “He has admitted he has made the mistake.
“Now he needs to build up a bit of trust with his teammates.”