Jan Poortvliet says his Saints side go into Saturday's Championship opener against Cardiff "full of confidence" despite failing to notch a win in first team pre-season friendlies this summer.
Saints narrowly lost 3-2 to Premiership newboys Stoke at St Mary's last night to wrap up their pre-season preparations.
Their five first team friendlies have seen them lose to the Potters and SPL champions Celtic at St Mary's.
They claimed a 2-2 home draw with top flight West Ham last Friday but could only manage draws at League One pair Cheltenham (1-1) and Hereford (0-0).
There is, though, some optimism from the fans as well as the squad over the manner of the performances.
And Poortvliet is buoyed by that and unconcerned over the lack of a friendly win.
He said: "Saturday's game is totally different.
"We knew these games would be difficult but we start Saturday and the boys will be full of confidence.
"Even when you win five in pre-season, on Saturday you still start at 0-0.
"I don't think that the results in preparation is so important, it's the way you want to do it.
"It's very important for your confidence to do it right and the boys have played the last two games against two big teams and have done really well.
"Last night the boys in the first half really satisfied me and got their confidence for Cardiff.
"Certainly first game we go for a win and everybody is wanting to be there and show what they can do for the people."
Poortvliet made ten half-time changes last night and saw both his strikers, David McGoldrick and Stern John, hit the target.
The first half team is the side he expects to start with against Cardiff at Ninian Park, aside from Michael Svensson coming in at centre half in place of Wayne Thomas after he was rested last night.
Full reaction, report and pictures in today's Daily Echo.
