MIDFIELDER Joe Rothwell admitted he would rather Saints were not playing "catch up" due to having games being postponed.

Southampton will be two games behind their promotion rivals Leeds United and Ipswich Town by the time they face Middlesborough on March, 29.

Russell Martin's side are already six points off the pace in the battle for the automatic promotion spots but that gap could be stretched ahead of the international break.

Kieran McKenna's Ipswich host relegation-threaten Sheffield Wednesday while second-place Leeds welcome an inform Millwall to Elland Road next Saturday.

Saints had been scheduled to face league leaders Leicester on Friday night, but that game was rearranged following the Foxes' progression in the FA Cup.

Those complexities mean Southampton's 4-2 win over Sunderland was all the more important according to match-winner Rothwell.

“It’s a massive result," he said. "We have got a long break now, but I feel it has come at the right time after a load of games in this last month or so.

Daily Echo: Russell Martin was full of praise for Joe Rothwell on SaturdayRussell Martin was full of praise for Joe Rothwell on Saturday

READ MORE: 'Amazing finisher' - Martin hails Rothwell after super-sub brace against Sunderland

“This is a real good chance now for the lads to get their legs up, rest and recover so we can go into those last 10 games raring to go.”

After the international break, Southampton will have to play 10 games in 36 days.

While Rothwell admits other players may see things differently, he would rather get the fixtures done than play catch up.

“We have got to play those games and then let’s look at the table when they have been played. Every game is going to be massive between now and the end of the season.

"I don’t think the numbers that the four teams at the top have put in will be seen again. If one team slips up then there will be another side ready to come in and take full advantage of that.” 

Rothwell's impact against Sunderland was hailed by boss Martin at full-time. The Cherries loanee scored twice in three minutes to win it.

His introduction came after the Black Cats clawed their way back into the game with two long-range strikes in a game previously dominated by the St Mary's side. 

“I felt there were chances (to be had)," the 29 year old added. "They went man for man all over the pitch so I knew there would be space in behind their defence.

“If we could pick it up and pick the right pass there would be chances. The gaffer brought me on and told me to be free and try to get a goal.

“Thankfully, two have fallen nicely for me today. I’m happy with the first one. My technique is something that I pride myself on.

Daily Echo: Joe Rothwell has scored four goals since joining on loan from AFC BournemouthJoe Rothwell has scored four goals since joining on loan from AFC Bournemouth (Image: PA)

“Striking the ball is something that I work hard on most days. I knew if I got my head over the ball and caught it sweet then it had a good chance of going in.

He continued: "I was thinking more about the games than the goals when I arrived, I’m not renowned for getting them. If I can keep doing that then I’ll be more than happy.

“It doesn’t matter who scores the goals as long as we win the games. The main reason I came here was games. The way Southampton play was a massive plus for me. 

"I have enjoyed my time here. Long may it continue. I don’t want to be making a name for myself as a super-sub. But if I can come on and help the team then that is all that matters.”