NIGEL Pearson has asked Saints fans to "keep the faith" as his team battles to avoid the drop.

The Saints boss said he knew how hard it has been for them over the course of the season, with Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Burnley at St Mary's condemning them to a desperate battle to avoid relegation from the Championship.

But, with just two games remaining in the campaign, he is hoping that everybody connected with the club, including the players and the fans, pick themselves up for the final two games.

Saints travel to West Brom next Monday and then take on Sheffield United at home which will now ultimately decide whether they remain in the Championship or not.

Full story in today's Daily Echo