Forward Charlie Austin has said that he is ready to "embrace" the pressure of trying to keep Southampton in the Premier League.
Austin has spent the last three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but the club's top goalscorer is closing in on a return to the first-team squad.
Southampton currently sit two points adrift of safety, but Austin is confident that the south coast club can stay up after the arrival of new boss Mark Hughes.
The 28-year-old told the club's official website: "We've got a big eight weeks and I'll put all my energy into helping the team drive forward to stay in the Premier League.
"It's pressure. Some people like being in those scenarios, some people hide from it. You've got to embrace it – as men and as footballers. We're under a lot of pressure at the moment, don't get me wrong, but we need to push forward.
"Being a big character that I am and part of this great team, I feel there's enough character, talent and work ethic, and with the new coaching staff coming in with new ideas, it's going to really help us."
Austin has scored six goals from five starts and 11 substitute outings in the top flight this season.
Darren Plant
