Vincent Pericard remains confident Southampton will avoid the drop this season despite suffering a miserable debut on Saturday.The striker, who last week joined Saints on loan from Stoke until the end of the season, came on at half-time during the 5-0 drubbing at Hull.

"I didn't expect that," he admitted.

"Obviously with relegation as a threat people are getting nervous but I was pleased to play 45 minutes. I am looking forward to next week (against Coventry) and hopefully we are going to win that game and climb back up the table.

"It's very difficult as obviously the lads are a bit down but the manager is doing his best, keeping everyone motivated and taking the pressure off them.

"I believe they are going to do it and hopefully I am going to help them do that. I'm not going to judge the lads on one game."

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