SAINTS manager Ronald Koeman says Stoke City's mid-table league position will not affect his team's approach to the game on Saturday.

The Dutchman takes his team to the Britannia Stadium looking to cement a place in the top six and qualify for Europe next year - with the Champions League still not out of reach.

And Saints will not take Stoke lightly according to Koeman, who said he is expecting a very tough game.

He said: "It's the third time we have played against Stoke this season. In both games before we won, but it was really difficult because they are physically a strong team and they play very direct football which is always difficult."

Watch the video below to hear more of Koeman's thoughts on the Stoke game.