SAINTS boss Russell Martin insists his players are aware that they need to reduce the number of goals they have conceded to give themselves the best chance at promotion.

Southampton have conceded 13 goals in their last six Championship games, a number which increases to 16 when including their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Martin has been quick to describe the goals his side have leaked as "rubbish" or "freak" and not due to any specific reason.

Bottom-of-the-table Rotherham had conceded the same total of goals across that period - and have since lost 5-0 to Coventry City, while Southampton's midweek game against Preston was postponed. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: “We have given away few real chances, but the goals we conceded haven’t been good enough.

“It’s been moments. We have to stop that. We have spoken about it as a group and the players understand.

Daily Echo: Saints boss Russell Martin wants his side to remain humble in their promotion push.

“Janny B has been so frustrated at them. After the game, he and Jack chat and make sure the players are really clear about what needs to happen to move forward.

“We will definitely improve again in that area. We have shown that we can be the team that has both sides of the game for sure.

“There are a few key principles that we need to focus on and we have done that for sure. Now we need to put that out on the pitch.”

Southampton's game against Sunderland is their last fixture before heading into an extended three-week international break.

Saints had been set to visit Leicester City next Friday, but that game is to be given a new date following the Foxes' progression in the FA Cup.

Martin will be keen to ensure his side secure all three points against a struggling Sunderland so that they can head into the break "feeling good about themselves."

“I’m not going to pretend that this is not a big week for us," Martin pointed out ahead of their scheduled game against Preston.

"We need to come out the other side of it with as many points as we can. If we play like we have in the last two games then I’m sure we will be more than fine. 

“You want to go into this extended break feeling good about yourself and on a positive note. That makes the whole break a little bit easier.”