WESLEY Hoedt admits he is looking forward to working under new Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, after hearing "great things" from his Saints team-mates.

Koeman was manager at Saints from 2014-2016, leading the club to a 7th and 6th place finish in the Premier League before leaving for Everton.

The 54-year-old was sacked by the Toffees last October after 16 months in charge but is now back in work with the Netherlands.

Hoedt, who has six caps for the Dutch, is looking forward to working under the former St Mary's chief and one of the nation's most iconic players.

"We have to be really happy," he said about Koeman's appointment.

"Ronald Koeman is a really experienced and a really good coach, so it’s a new era and we all need to show that we are willing to fight for our country and it’s up to him what the selection will be."

The 23-year-old centre-back has spoken to his Saints colleagues about Koeman, who was highly successful at St Mary's during his two season stay.

"Everyone really liked him," he said.

"I’ve never worked under him so that’ll be new but they told me a lot of great things about him, so I’m curious to start with him in the national team."

The Netherlands failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup in Russia and Hoedt hopes Koeman can bring success back to Holland.

"We have a great squad and a lot of quality players," he said.

"Maybe it’s not as much quality as Holland has been used to in other days but we have really good players and a lot of talent as well.

"Now it’s up to us to step up and lead the team together with the new coach to better days."

On taking the job, Koeman said: "I think the Netherlands should and must be qualifying for major finals and I see a bright future in that regard. That's why I've taken the job."