Mark Hughes says it’s time for every Saints player to “step out of the shadows” and deliver the goods to secure the club’s Premier League status.

Saints host south coast neighbours Bournemouth at St Mary’s tomorrow desperate for a win to keep alive their chances of avoiding relegation.

There have been plenty of questions over whether the squad can raise themselves after what has been a taxing season, but Hughes defended the players and insisted there is the leadership required to get out of the situation.

“We certainly have within the group,” he said. “There’s different ways of leadership, the ranters and the ravers and the quiet guys who get on with their business and lead by example.

“There are many different ways to lead but we have certainly got enough of them and everybody has to play a part, even guys who aren’t as inclined to step up and be more vocal or more demonstrative.

“Now’s the time for guys to step out of the shadows, put their head over the parapet and get over it.”

He added: “I think no one quite knows how each player will deal with the same level of pressure. Everybody’s different and we know that. They are not clones of each other.

“Some will embrace it and really enjoy the challenge and others will be a little bit fearful but will need to overcome that fear and have an impact for us.

“It’s about making sure we are collectively better than the opposition and if we do everything right I feel we can win the game.”

Hughes hasn’t set any survival targets for his side, but realistically Saints know they have to win at least two, and probably three games to stay up.

“We are down to the situation where we have got to try and maximise our opportunities in the games we play,” reckoned Hughes.

“We have four games and ideally we need to win every one of them.

“If we are able to do it then we have the potential to win the four games we have left.

“It is difficult because we haven’t managed that all season but the situation we are in people have to front up and see if we can do this.

“I have got a really good feeling in terms of what I’m hearing from the group and one-to-one.

“They are disappointed with themselves and they are ready to go in my view and you will see that in the performance at the weekend.”

Bournemouth arrive at St Mary’s without much to play for having all but secured their top flight status for another season, but Hughes doesn’t want Saints expecting an easy ride.

“There are two ways to see it and it’s difficult this time of the year if you think you are safe or some might think the job is done and others not,” he insisted.

“From our point of view we have to face teams with a view that they are going to be at their strongest with their mentality exactly right and ready to go. We have to be prepared to face a team with all that.

“Bournemouth I’m sure would like to beat us given our circumstances and damage our place in the Premier League.”