MATT Targett believes Saints would have suffered a different fate had it not been for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Targett, whose goal against Bournemouth on Saturday ensured Premier League football at St Mary’s for another season, heaped the praise on the Saints boss.

Hasenhuttl replaced Mark Hughes last December and has guided the club to safety with two games remaining.

And when questioned whether it could’ve been achieved without the Austrian, Targett responded: “I don’t think so.

“He [Hasenhuttl] has saved our club. His impact, since he came in, has been incredible. He has worked us so hard and we have reaped the rewards of it.

“Every player has bought into his style of play, so it’s a credit to us and a massive credit to him. It was a fresh start.

“There were players before who weren’t getting a chance under Mark Hughes and the new manager brought them back into the team.

“They’ve all done fantastic since they came in because, when you get a new manager, it’s always a fresh start.”

Targett came on at half time during the dramatic 3-3 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday to head home his first Premier League goal for the club.

After enjoying a run in the side, due to Ryan Bertrand’s absence with a back injury, the academy lad has found himself back on the bench.

And due to Bertrand’s form for Saints, Targett revealed that he didn’t expect to feature against Bournemouth – let alone score.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all – I was surprised I came on at half time,” continued Targett.

“I just went out for a little kickaround and Kelvin [Davis] said to me, ‘Matt, we need you. Start warming up properly’. It was a massive surprise and when I came on I thought I could maybe make an impact and set a goal up.

“I certainly didn’t think I’d score one. It’s a nice feeling to score my first Premier League goal – it took me long enough.

“I’m so happy for what I have done. With a squad, it’s not all about the starting XI. You need players who are ready on the bench to come on and make an impact. Thankfully, I was able to do that against Bournemouth.”

Now that safety is in the bag, Targett is aiming to finish the season in style.

He added: “It’s always nice to finish on a high. We will go for the three points against West Ham away and then finish on a high in front of our fans.”