Steven Davis is optimistic that Saints will achieve their aim of still being in every major competition come Christmas.

With an EFL Cup semi-final place already booked they know a win or goalless draw against Hapoel Be’er Sheva tonight will ensure Saints are in Monday’s draw for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The club have suffered blips of inconsistency this season, albeit in the midst of a fixture pile-up, but Davis is confident the club can make it through.

He said: “We are in a good position and want to be involved in all competitions after Christmas.

“The way results have gone there is something riding on this.

“The main thing is being in the hat for the next round.”

Davis praised Saints’ approach to the competition this season, and believes Claude Puel’s rotation policy has plenty of benefits.

“It’s been a positive experience,” reflected the Norther Ireland skipper.

“As players you want to play in every game, but we understand the manager’s brought a philosophy to rotate the team a lot.

“The manager is using the squad very well this season, he’s given younger players a chance and that’s going to stand us in good stead for the future. It’s important we carry on with the manager’s philosophy and keen progressing.”

Looking ahead to facing Be’er Sheva he added: “I don’t know too much about the individuals, they're maybe not a team with so many big names, but they are obviously a good side and they showed a lot of character to come from two goals behind to beat Inter Milan.

“They are a team that’s aggressive. They have got a lot of quality and create a number of chances. But whenever we’re at home we’re confident we can win.

“This is going to be about game management and using that experience to the best of our ability. We have had enough players that have played at that level before, and obviously the younger players are gaining that experience as well.

“We have enough in that dressing room.”

Davis also played down fears the squad would be unsettled by Jose Fonte’s ongoing contract situation, with the skipper a huge presence at the club, both on and off the pitch.

“We are well used to it by now,” he admitted. “In my time here we have sold a lot of players, a lot of big players, and it shows we are doing things the right way.

“It can only be taken as a positive that other teams are interested in players.

“I know we have a lot of quality in the dressing room and I’d be surprised if other teams weren’t looking at us.

“We all know what the club means to Jose and what Jose means to the club.

“He obviously has a personal situation there which has not been discussed in the dressing room.

“He’s the same character, he’s doing his best in the training every day and pushing the team on and that’ll not change.”