Forster proud of Saints strength

England goalkeeper Fraser Forster has urged Southampton to maintain their current lofty standards of defensive play for the rest of the season.

The Saints have conceded just one goal in their last seven games in all competitions, with that strike a penalty in the 3-1 win over Burnley last weekend.

I think what we’ve done now has set the standard for how we need to play for the rest of the season.

Fraser Forster

And, ahead of a massive night for the club as they head to the San Siro to face Inter Milan in the Europa League, Forster is keen to keep up the good work which he insists is largely down to teamwork.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s been really important. It makes it easier to win games if you’re not letting in many goals.

“I think we’re all really proud of it. It’s been a lot of hard work and we’ve performed really well in games and we’ve looked very strong at the back and that can only be a positive sign of things to come.

“I think what we’ve done now has set the standard for how we need to play for the rest of the season and we’ll have to try to replicate that in every game we play.”

Saints are 11/4 to keep another clean sheet on Thursday and can be backed at 5/1 to secure a 1-1 draw in Milan, with a Southampton victory priced at 11/5.

Meanwhile, Nerazzurri head coach Frank de Boer accepts he is under pressure to deliver improvements, with Inter down in 11th place in Serie A after a run of three league games without a win.

The men from Milan have also lost two out of two in Europa League Group K, meaning that a win against the Saints on Thursday is vital.

Former Ajax boss De Boer told reporters: “It’s always tough when you don’t win – we need to improve.

“We know the results haven’t been good, but we’ve started a project and I have full confidence in the team.”

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