SAINTS are homing in on Premiership safety and a final push will carry them over the line with just one relegation spot to worry about.

That's the verdict of boss Glenn Hoddle who believes his side are now effectively out of reach of Watford and Sheffield Wednesday.

Following their 2-0 win over Aston Villa Southampton now have a 12-point cushion over second-from-bottom Wednesday who yesterday sacked manager Danny Wilson and appointed Peter Shreeves as caretaker until the end of the season.

Effectively that leaves just one relegation slot to worry about and with a seven-point gap from third-bottom Bradford, Saints know they are only two wins and a couple of draws from safety.

Hoddle said: "It was a good weekend for us with other teams losing while we won. That has given us a bit of a cushion.

"I think Wednesday and Watford have too much to do now but Bradford have got the better chance of survival.

"They have some difficult games coming up but if they were to win the next three then it would look a very different picture.

"I am not setting a points target other than to have more than the team who finish third from bottom. It is all about us getting on with our jobs and seeing off teams at The Dell.

"We have looked very strong there and if we win our home games that should see us OK. But we cannot rely on that so we have got to pick up something away from home."

Centre-back Richard Dryden has joined Stoke on a month's loan with a view to a possible permanent move.

Dryden has stuggled for fitness for much of the season and Saints assistant boss John Gorman said: "It will be good for him to be playing regularly.

"The deal is for a month initially but they can extend it or even buy him even though the transfer deadline is tomorrow. He has not had many opportunities here so this will help with his fitness."

Matthew Le Tissier, Stuart Ripley and Claus Lundekvam were all due to play for the reserves this morning in a training ground friendly against Pompey.

Saints were also hoping to take a look at Chelsea attacking midfielder Paul Hughes who is on trial after finding his opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old former England Schools international has made 13 Premiership appearances but none in the last 18 months and is keen to get regular first-team football.

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