Ralph Hasenhuttl said he was proud of his Saints team as they held tight to secure a fantastic 2-1 win at Leicester.

Despite having to play more than half of the match with ten men after Yan Valery’s red card, Saints showed incredible resilience, organisation and composure to collect three points to lift them out of the bottom three.

A delighted Hasenhuttl said: “I am really proud of this fantastic team, of this commitment we showed in this game.

“It was a very long time to go after this red card for Yan Valery with ten players against a fantastic team with very good one-against-one players.

“After the red card we were not frightened about taking something because the first half showed we had a very good match plan.

“With our counter attacks and deep ball wins we really forced the mistakes of the opponent so the 2-0 in the break was absolutely ok.

“We were talking about how we use the shape, should we change something or stay like a 5-3-1 to defend very deep and we stayed in this formation and I think it was the right decision because we didn’t give a lot of chances away.

“The first goal after the half was a little too early and I thought it will be very difficult to take something, but the way we defended then and with passion and mentality was unbelievable. It was great.

“I had the feeling the players enjoyed what they did in this moment. After the game they said they enjoyed it because the time was running and they didn’t think it was going so quick. I had a different feeling because I was always looking at the clock.

“I am very proud.”

With the other teams around Saints taking points off of each other, it was a huge win for Hasenhuttl’s men, and one which may prove decisive.

“Every win will be very significant in this season and if you do it with one man less,” reflected Hasenhuttl.

“It is an important step but only one.

“I spoke about the decision not being made before May and it is so close with such good teams in this Premier League.

“We showed today a little bit more of our potential of winning these games and that is what I demanded when I said I have seen good things from us against Chelsea in defence, a good transition forward against Derby with two good goals – that’s what I wanted to bring together in this game.

“They showed they can score and defend well over 90 minutes which makes me proud and gives me a good signal for the future.”