MAYA Yoshida is grabbing his chance with both hands in Jose Fonte's absence at Saints.

Fonte has been told that he is unlikely to play during the January transfer window, with his future at St Mary's in doubt after he handed in a request to leave the club.

With Claude Puel looking for "stability" while Fonte looks for a move, it has paved the way for Yoshida to become Virgil van Dijk's regular partner in defence during the recent run of games.

The Japanese international has started the last four matches in all competitions, and is expected to be selected at Turf Moor today as Saints travel to Burnley in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old is untroubled by Fonte's situation and is just focusing on taking his big chance.

"I understand my situation. This is football, it's the way it is. It's just about myself. It's either grab it or leave it and I want to grab it [the chance]," he said.

"It's a personal thing. I don't know what's going on with him (Jose Fonte) and the club, but I just focus on myself," he added.

"There's nothing about Jose playing or not playing. It's not about someone coming in or leaving - it's just about myself.

"If I play well, it's good. It's not competition between me and other players. It's competition with myself.

"I need to show good performances. I want to win and I want to make a cleansheet - that's it.

"This is my reputation and I just focus on myself."

Yoshida was deployed as a right-back on several occasions last season, where he often struggled.

He made some costly errors and lost a lot of confidence, but he revealed that he feels much better now and is grateful to Claude Puel for giving him a fair chance.

"We've had many games, including Europa League. That's why I've been able to play more regularly to get back my fitness and confidence," he said.

"I've been able to play at centre-back as well. "Of course, (Ronald) Koeman gave me a chance to play [at right-back], but centre-back is better for me.

"The manager (Claude Puel) gave not only me but other player us fair chances to everyone. That's a good thing."

Yoshida has urged Saints to keep their feet on the ground after winning against Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final first leg this week.

The defender says it's vital to just focus on Burnley, rather than get excited about the prospect of reaching Wembley.

"Both feet need to stay on the ground and we have to do what we have to do," he said.

"The important thing now is the recovery is good and be prepared for Saturday."

"Winning is the best way to come back our confidence.

"There are important games coming. We just need to keep playing the same way and fight for something better."

"Premier League is the highest priority for us. Burnley have played well at home, so it's going to be tough, but we need to focus on three points."