ORIOL Romeu has hailed Mark Hughes a saviour after the experienced Welshman led Saints to the brink of Premier League survival.

Hughes took the St Mary’s hotseat in March after Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked and Romeu says the boss has been ‘clever tactically’ and got ‘everyone getting on’.

Saints lost all three of their opening games under Hughes in the league but have now hauled themselves to virtual safety after two wins and two draws in the last four.

“There was a change and he saw what we needed. He’s saved us from a difficult situation,” he said.

“It’s been amazing to see how he’s stepped in on the first day to try and change things around, trying to be positive and trying to make us better,” he added.

“He’s done it. He’s put everyone together.

“The feeling with the lads today is amazing, even the ones who didn’t play were pushing, were trying to be there and help us.

“That’s what the team needs to be and what this manager has done.

“He deserves some credit. He’s done really well and he’s done his job in a difficult situation.

"He came in and the dressing room wasn’t in a good situation. It was difficult to cheer everyone up but I think he did it.

“Now he’s done what he had to do and he deserves credit and the players hope he stays and we can work with him again.”

Romeu had one of his best displays of the season on Tuesday night, when Saints defeated Swansea 1-0 to all but secure safety.

The Spaniard believes Hughes has had a positive impact on his performances, after struggling at times this campaign.

He said: “He’s helped me feel comfortable again playing on the pitch, doing what I like, feeling that freedom to play.

“Also being clever tactically, the team needed to change a couple of things and he did everything right.

“Also, getting everyone getting along with each other, which he’s done, has helped.

“It was difficult, with Mauricio we had so many losses and so it was difficult to have that feeling but with Mark he’s got better results as the atmosphere was better.

“It was easier for him and he could get that performance from us.”

Saints have one game left game against champions Manchester City at St Mary's on Sunday.

Only a nine-goal swing would put Saints in danger again, but the 26-year-old wants to keep focused.

"Mathematically we’re not safe and that’s a fact and we still have another game," he said.

"We must compete in that one and there’s so many goals that they need to score. 

"Odds will be in our favour but it’s Manchester City and they have good offensive players. We won’t play that game thinking we’ll be already safe.”