VINCENT Pericard had a baptism of fire against Hull at the weekend but still believes his new side can stay up.

Pericard only met up with new teammates on Friday night after the 35-year-old agreed to join on loan for the rest of the season from Stoke.

The former Portsmouth man was thrown on at half time at the KC Stadium with Saints 1-0 down but could do little to prevent his side slipping to a 5-0 hammering.

However, Pericard believes he can play a part in keeping Saints up.

He said: "I won't think anything about this performance.

"The spirit is a bit low because there is a relegation threat and people get nervous.

"I played 45 minutes so I was pleased with that and I'm looking forward to next week when hopefully we'll win and get back up again.

"It was very very difficult because the lads have been down but the manager is keeping people motivated.

"I believe they will do it and hopefully I will help them."

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