Southampton legend optimistic they can catch Ipswich in promotion race

Southampton currently sit third in the Championship, just three points behind the highflying Tractor Boys.

Russell Martin's side have done well to cut the gap to the automatic promotion spots after Kieran McKenna's men have failed to win in their last five.

Le Tissier is more concerned about staying above Daniel Farke's Leeds United, who are currently four points behind Saints in fourth place. 

Speaking on BBC Radio Solent's Saints and Sinners podcast, Le Tissier explained: "There's only three points in it at the moment.

"That's nothing over the course of another 20-odd games. I'm very optimistic that we can catch Ipswich.

"I'm probably a little bit more concerned about staying above Leeds. I think we will catch Ipswich, but staying above Leeds come the end of the season will be the crucial factor.

"We play Leeds on the last day of the season. That is shaping up to be quite some game.

"If it is the crucial one that means one team goes up and one team into the playoffs, then you will find me at my second away game of the season alongside two of my brothers, who happen to be Leeds United fans."

Ipswich claimed a 1-0 win at St Mary's when the two sides met earlier this season.

That defeat came during Southampton's four-game losing streak, however, Le Tissier has sensed a new feeling around the club since they have mounted an 18-game unbeaten run.  

"There is definitely a different feel to the crowd (this season). There is an optimistic vibe that goes around the stadium before every game.

"The way that we have started matches, where we completely dominate possession at the start of the game - the opposition have struggled to get out of their own half.

"It makes you feel pretty comfortable as a Saints fan. It's a very different feel from last season when you were going to games hoping we could keep it down to two or three."

Southampton travel to Ipswich's Portman Road on April 1, two weeks after facing first-place Leicester City.