Ronald Koeman is already eyeing the possibility of back-to-back European campaigns for Saints as their fine start to the season continues.

Saints’ seventh place finish last time out saw them make the qualifying stages of the Europa League, where they beaten by FC Midtjylland.

There is a determination in the squad to return to European football and right that wrong as soon as possible.

With the 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light taking Saints to 20 points for the season already, it certainly doesn’t appear like it is just wishful thinking.

Koeman is never afraid to express his hopes and desires for his team, and though he admits it is still too early to get carried away, the Saints manager is happy to admit he believes that qualifying for Europe again is a realistic target.

He insisted: “Of course it’s possible. Why not?

“We had the experience from last year. We know it’s difficult.

“It’s not easy to beat big clubs after 38 games in the Premier League but we have potential, we have qualities.

“In my opinion we have a squad now to fight for that.

“I think that’s very good and positive and we will see what happens at the end of the season.”

There has been a lot of talk once again over whether Saints can be the outsider to break the top four monopoly, especially with Chelsea lagging so far behind at the moment.

Leicester and West Ham are also in around the higher echelons of the table and will want to believe they can do it, but Saints’ past experience shows they have the form and the track record.

This season they also appear better equipped for a long and gruelling season.

Koeman has always felt a Champions League berth is probably a step too far, but knows the Europa League can happen again.

“Europe is qualifying for Europe,” he explained when asked about the top four.

“That means the seventh place like last season is possible, maybe six, five, four.

“It’s too early in the season to have that opinion.

“We like to enjoy football and that’s one of the best qualities how we like to play and then you will win a lot of games we know.”

Koeman is also astute enough to recognise what a huge achievement it was for Saints to make the Europa League last season, and that it would be once more if they were to do it again.

He smiled: “I think if we reach European football it’s like we won the title.”