Ronald Koeman praised his Saints side for what he described as “a very serious performance” as they beat Ipswich to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Koeman always felt the replay at Portman Road might be a tricky match after the sides drew 1-1 at St Mary’s.

He made five changes to the team that had defeated Manchester United and switched formation and it worked a treat as his side secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Shane Long’s first half goal.

It was without doubt a very professional display and one which secured a tie against Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace at St Mary’s a week on Saturday.

Daily Echo:

Koeman said: “I think it was a very serious performance tonight. Lucky that we scored out of the first chance that we got in the game and after that defending well, good organisation in the team.

“I think we had some good opportunities in the second half the first ten or 15 minutes to create some more out of counter attacking.

“I am proud of the team and the players how we showed our character.

“It was difficult, a typical English cup game with long balls and battles but I was pleased with the lads because we show character and that’s very positive.”

Shane Long’s well taken goal was one of the major plus points as the Irishman seized on a rare chance to start through the middle as an out and out striker.

“Shane showed his quality and his confidence,” reflected Koeman.

“It’s not a question about his confidence, it’s that in the last few games he didn’t start in the team.

“We need everybody and we need Shane and if Shane gets the opportunity he has to show his qualities like he did today.”

There were a number of strong performances as Koeman gave a few younger players such as Harrison Reed and Matt Targett a game and he smiled: “It’s good because that’s positive.

“Of course they need rhythm of playing games but they know the responsibility when they play, when they get the opportunity.

“Shane deserved with his performance to score the winning goal.”