Ralph Hasenhuttl has called on Saints fans and players to unite to increase the club’s survival chances.

Saints today welcome Everton to St Mary’s hoping to return to winning ways after the midweek FA Cup exit to Derby.

The team showed real grit and determination to pick up a vital victory at Leicester last weekend and may need more of the same today.

Saints are desperate to avoid a repeat of the uninspired defeat to West Ham after picking up some momentum with back-to-back victories against Arsenal and Huddersfield.

Hasenhuttl believes the club’s supporters will be key to the team’s success.

He said: “It’s necessary that at home if we go in the lead we work together like we did against Leicester.

“Together means also the crowd helps us in some moments where they feel the game has a chance to go in a different direction, that they are loud and push us and force us to be as committed as they are.

“If we are in this unity then it’s not so easy to win against us and that’s what we have to show.

“It’s what we need and what we need in the future. Our development on the pitch is one point and the development outside in the stands means they should feel they help us now because they are loud and they get pressure on the opponent.

“I think that will be necessary for the future.”