ROMAIN Perraud believes he "can be happy" with his first season with Saints, but the Frenchman admitted "sometimes it was not good."

Perraud, a summer signing from Stade Brest last year, made a total of 22 appearances in his debut season for Saints, featuring 20 times in the Premier League.

However, the highlight of his campaign arguably came against West Ham in the FA Cup, with his long-range screamer giving goalkeeper Alphonse Areola no chance.

Reflecting on the goal, Perraud stated: “That was my best memory of the season, my first goal for the club, in St Mary's, it was a fantastic moment for me and I was very happy."

Despite demonstrating his ability to strike the ball and a tendency to bomb forward down the left flank, the 24-year-old revealed he would rather contribute with clean sheets than scoring goals.

"If I can score some goals, I will do,” he restarted.

“But I think my first job is being a defender and I prefer not to score and keep a clean sheet, this is my mindset."

In a season that saw Saints enjoy strong runs of form and long stretches of poor results, Perraud also looked back on an inconsistent first season in England.

Perraud mentioned: "When I come on the pitch, I try to help my team, firstly defensively, it is my first job to be aggressive against the ball, give everything for my team-mates, for the club.

“And after, when I can, do some runs to help my team, with crosses and shooting if I can, this is my way to play.”

The former Nice left-back went on to details his aims for next season. The full-back positions are arguably the most competitive in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, with Kyle Walker-Peters able to slot in on both sides of the pitch.

Whilst he took time to get up to speed, Perraud showed quality and promise with his performance, although the Toulouse born defender recognised he needed consistency in order to be come a first-team regular.

“I try to give everything. Sometimes this season I played some good games, sometimes it was not good.

“Now, the next step is to be a regular and to try to improve every game. But for the first season, I can be happy, that is ok."