UNDER-21s manager Adam Asghar insists they need a "cup final mentality" to ensure they qualify for the Premier League 2 playoffs.

Southampton are currently two points outside the playoffs, which is made up of the top 16 teams, with five games to go this season.

They face 11th-place Crystal Palace, who have not lost a game since the start of 2024, on Friday evening at Staplewood.

Saints are targeting the playoffs this season and a win over Palace could see them climb into the coveted spots. 

“It’s nice to have this stage of the season because the league format is really different," Asghar told Southampton's club media.

“We have now got to have a cup final mentality. We have a settled squad now for the first time this season which has a bit of experience.

“It’s great for us to consistently have players who can compete at this level. That’s no disrespect to the players we have used this season.

"Against Stoke, we saw how Ussumane Djaló came out and Joseph O'Brien-Whitmarsh came in for his first home start and looked really good. 

“We need to have that cup final mentality if we are going to push into the playoffs, which will be a test, but one we believe we can achieve.

“From there can we get into the playoffs and have an impact on the league. There is still a lot for us to chase.

“A lot of things are coming together tactically. Now we just need to keep pushing the players. Palace will be a different test.

“We always focus on ourselves but hopefully we can put on a similar performance and get a similar result.”