SAINTS head coach Mark Wotte has told his side they need to be mentally stronger than ever before, after their winning streak came to an end at Birmingham on Saturday.

Saints had hoped to complete a fourth league victory in a row at the promotion contenders.

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However, their confidence-boosting run was ended by Keith Fahey’s late first half strike.

With relegation rivals Blackpool and Watford winning, as well as Nottingham Forest and Plymouth drawing, Saints fell deeper into trouble at St Andrew’s.

Wotte said it is vital the team responds to the defeat in a positive manner, as they prepare for tomorrow’s visit of Derby – a match Wotte describes as “another cup final”.

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