Precarious position will help focus our minds – Hughes
SOUTHAMPTON boss Mark Hughes believes the club’s precarious position will only sharpen the focus of his players.
Saints travel to Leicester tonight, five points from Premier League safety with only 15 left to play for.
“We’ve got five games left where clearly we are up to the edge and that enables us to have a better focus in my view,” said Hughes.
“The situation we’re in we need performances and points.
“I think the message (to the players) is to enjoy the challenge, it’s not an easy situation but get out there and show people what you are about.
“I’ve been really pleased with how the players have reacted to my appointment and I think there’s a real determination to retain our Premier League status.”
Southampton are likely to be without Mario Lemina and Sofiane Boufal.
Midfielder Lemina has been suffering with back and hamstring problems, while winger Boufal is ill.
Saints centre-back Jack Stephens serves the second game of a three-match ban, but captain Steven Davis is fit to travel following a hamstring injury. Provisional squad: Forster, McCarthy, Taylor, McQueen, Soares, Pied, Bertrand, Bednarek, Hoedt, Yoshida, Davis, Romeu, WardProwse, Hojbjerg, Long, Redmond, Tadic, Sims, Gabbiadini, Austin, Carrillo.