CEDRIC Soares has admitted that every game has felt like a cup final for him in his first season in the Premier League with Saints.

The Portuguese international, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon for around £5m last summer, hasn't fully nailed down the right back position as his own this term after coming in as a direct replacement for Nathaniel Clyne last June.

But Cedric believes he has been growing as a player and is working hard on continuing to adapt to the notoriously physical game in England.

The slightly built, 5ft8inch attack-minded defender won't give up on becoming established at St Mary's.

"I grow a lot as a player," he said. "It’s a lot of intensity. All the sides have amazing players, every game is like a final for us and a me also, so I feel like I’m better as a player.

"I’m settled down. I came this season, I played until now a lot of games and I feel confident and I look forward also to keep going and keep developing as a player."

The 24-year-old had lost his place to Cuco Martina for three consecutive games, but was recalled at Leicester on Sunday.

And although he has had to be at times patient for his chance to play, Cedric says that he is always focused and ready if and when Ronald Koeman wants him.

"I work hard every day to be in the team," he said. "I’m just here to help, so I will keep working hard to be helping Southampton."

He added: "It’s normal, everyone wants to play and that’s why we are here.

"We work everyday, then it’s the coach that needs to choose who is in the best moment for him or who is the best player for that kind of game.

"That’s the most important thing."

The nine-time capped Portugal international wants Saints to remain focused on a European place with six games to go.

And, even though they come up against one of the league's strugglers in Newcastle on Saturday, he doesn't want his team-mates to think they're in for an easy ride against Rafael Benitez's side.

"Our thought is exactly the same in every game," he said. "We always come on the pitch to win, even if it’s against the first or the last club.

"It doesn’t matter our mentality must always been the same."