MATT Targett is Saints’ first Hampshire-born player to represent his local club in Europe for 31 years - and is loving it.

Not since Nick Holmes played for Saints in the UEFA Cup defeat against Hamburg in 1984 has a Hampshire boy played for his hometown club in European competition.

Winchester-born Targett, who went to school in Eastleigh, has been with Saints since the age of eight and is relishing the chance he has in the absence of the injured Ryan Bertrand.

“It’s definitely a buzz,” he said, ahead of Thursday’s second-leg against FC Midtjylland. “At my age you want to play in as many games as you can, whether it is Premier League, the cups or Europe.”

“It’s always good to play, it’s a good experience for me personally.”

Targett is confident Saints can get the win they need after the 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.

“Obviously in the first-half against Midtjylland we didn’t play to our usual high standards,” he continued.

“In the second-half we came out fighting and really took the game to them, getting the important goal that we needed.

“We go to their place confident we can get the result we want.”

While the Europa challenge is one he is thriving on, Targett admits Saints have a big challenge to qualify again.

“I think it will be much tougher this season,” said the 19 year-old, when asked if Saints could once again finish in the European spots.

“Obviously we’ve lost Schneiderlin and Clyne, they are two very key players who played a big role in last season’s success.

“If we get into the group stages in Europe, it will be a lot more difficult (to qualify again) because we haven’t got as big a squad.

“So there’ll be a lot of tired legs but it will be good for the club to get to that stage.”