FLYNN Downes is hoping that Saints can head into the international break with their unbeaten start to the Championship season still intact.

Southampton have won 10 points from their first four games this season, which sees them head to Sunderland in fourth place. 

Downes has joined Southampton on a season-long loan from West Ham, a move which has seen him link back up with Russell Martin, Ryan Manning and a number of coaches that he previously worked with at Swansea City.

The 24 year old made his debut at St Mary's last Saturday against QPR, coming on in the 25th minute after an injury to captain Jack Stephens.

Speaking ahead of Southampton's lunchtime kick-off against Sunderland this weekend, Downes noted that those familiar have helped him settle on the south coast quickly. 

He said: “It’s been really good. All of the boys have been really good. Everybody has welcomed me in and the staff have been lovely. It’s been really easy to settle in. 

“Those familiar faces that I know really well make it so much easier. It means that I can come straight in and have a good laugh with them. It’s really easy.

“The boys have been absolutely unbelievable so far going unbeaten.

"Hopefully, we can keep that going into the international break and then get some more good work in after that."

Downes has previously played against Sunderland during his time at Ipswich Town in League One. 

When asked how much he enjoys playing away games in a difficult atmosphere, Downes responded: “I quite like it to be fair, especially when we play this way.

"When we dominate the ball the opposition fans are going to get annoyed and it gets a bit hostile - which is going to suit us.

“I’m really looking forward to it because the fans are really good, I’ll give that to them.

“The Championship is a long season and we’ve got to crack on and take it one game at a time.”