SAINTS defender Mason Holgate has claimed that "everybody needs to be ready" as they hit a crucial stage of the season.

The 27 year old was named man of the match during the 2-1 win against West Bromwich Albion in the last game before the international break.

But with Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis being the favoured pairing at the back for much of the current eight-match unbeaten run, Holgate knows that a big squad effort is required.

He told the Daily Echo: "We have come into a very busy part of the season now so we've had that little rest and we need to be firing on all cylinders.

“It is going to take all the squad so everybody needs to be ready.

"We are looking forward to this part of the season because people may already have their preconceptions.

“If somebody has a bad week, there can be a point swing if you lose three games in a week and someone wins three games.

"The table changes drastically so we just need to hit this month running."

Saints face Huddersfield at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday where all eyes will once again be on Russell Martin's team selection after the international break.

Holgate, though, has not done his chances any harm and he is hoping that he will be rewarded with a starting berth again.

He continued: "I need to be ready for when my chance comes and I’d like to think that I took it when it did come.

"It is obviously the gaffers decision, the boys were doing well before that so we will have to see what happens. There are a lot of games coming up.

"I’m hoping at some point to get out there and regularly play football because as a defender playing week-in and week-out is key to be able to get the consistency going.

"Coming in for a game and out for a game is difficult. I will be as ready as I can whenever I’m called on."

The versatile defender is enjoying working with Russell Martin and admitted that he has been lucky to work with some of the top coaches in world football throughout his career.

Holgate feels like he has learned a lot throughout his time in football and that is no different under his current boss.

"If you look at the managers I’ve had over the years, I’ve been very lucky in my career. I’ve had some of the best managers in the world.

“So to take a little bit from each of them is going to always help me. I had Koeman who played centre-half, Ancelotti who is a defensive coach, Benitez and the gaffer now.

"I’ve had a lot of defensive minded managers over the years. So yeah it’s something that I am enjoying and taking little parts from everyone and to obviously keep learning."