Fabrice Fernandes has put his off-field troubles behind him and is looking to claim a place in the French national team.

The 24-year-old midfielder last week escaped a jail term for dangerous driving and is relieved he can concentrate on his football again.

It has not only been tough off the pitch for Fernandes but also for Saints - but with Steve Wigley having his pro licence dispensation and Christian Damiano filling the post of first team coach, everyone at Saints is viewing today's game at Everton as a fresh start.

Fernandes said: "I just want to put it all behind me and move on.

"The players just have to concentrate on the pitch. That's all the players can do - to come to training every morning and try their hardest."

He added: "It's an ambition for the next couple of years to play for France and I hope one day I will get my chance.

"They have a new manager of the French team and he brings something different.

"France have lost some very good players like Zidane, Thuram, Desailly. They now need to rebuild and it's not easy always to do that."

The last time that Saints and Everton met was Wigley's first game in caretaker charge last season.

The game ended in a 3-3 draw at St Mary's with Fernandes scoring a dramatic late equaliser - his only goal of the 2003/04 campaign.

He recalled: "I remember scoring in the last minute and it was a good moment.

"But this is another game and another moment like that would be good.

"Every game is different but you stay motivated because in every game you can score a goal or concede a goal.

He continued: "We are not in the place we want and we can play better, but the most important thing is to get more points.

"We go to Everton to win - we know we need a good result.

"They are a good side with a good manager and they don't change too much - we just need to concentrate on working hard and playing good football.

"The best thing for us is to win a game."