SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was encouraged by his team’s impressive recent points return after their 1-0 victory over Watford.

The St Mary’s side had picked up just four points from their opening seven Premier League fixtures, before the October international break.

But having beaten Leeds and Watford either side of a draw with Burnley – the south coast outfit have accumulated seven points from their past three games since.

And with those results coming against sides around them in the table, the Austrian manager was pleased to see his squad take their opportunities to triumph.

Hasenhuttl told the club website: “You don’t want to say these last few games were easier but you have to take points against these teams if you want to stay in the league and this is the big goal every season for us.

“Finally we have taken seven points from the past three games and this is a good average."

Saints are currently 14th in the top flight, with 11 points recorded from 10 fixtures.