Ralph Hasenhuttl insists Saints will take the Carabao Cup seriously this year but that the competition represents an opportunity for a few more members of his squad to get playing time.

The Saints boss admitted that cup success was not on his mind after taking over last season with Hasenhuttl’s team being dumped out in the third round of the FA Cup at the hands of Derby not long after the Austrian took charge.

But without a relegation battle to worry about Hasenhuttl wants Saints to focus on progressing as far as they can.

“I am prioritising them in a high way this year,” he said ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup second round tie away to Fulham

“Last season it wasn’t that bad that we didn’t play in the FA Cup but this year we want to get as a far as possible.

“We concentrate absolutely on this cup competition.”

Hasenhuttl is set to take a strong squad to Craven Cottage tonight but could give some big names who have been without game time a chance to show what they can do.

“Absolutely. I know I have a lot of options at the front but also at centre back positions. It can be that we change a little bit,” he admitted.

“I will have a look at how intense the Brighton game was because it was very hot and we invested a lot in the game but sure it’s now easier for me to make a change with Manchester United next Saturday.

“We want to come in the next round of the Cup for sure and that’s the reason I take the best possible team for Tuesday.”

There is a clamour for Sofiane Boufal to be given a chance to start after two promising appearances from the bench following his return from a season long loan spell at Celta Vigo.

However, Hasenhuttl isn’t sure he is ready to play 90 minutes

“Maybe. Let’s have a look,” he reflected.

“I think to play from the beginning is a little bit different because you must be very concentrated also against the ball and if he has this for 90 minutes I don’t know.

“When I know I have such a good player from the bench as a substitute then that’s a problem – if you are too good as a substitute the manager thinks ‘I can bring him in later.’”

A second round tie away to Fulham is a tricky draw for Saints with the Cottagers having only been relegated from the top flight last season but a defiant Hasenhuttl insisted: “If you want to win this cup then you must win against every opponent you get. No problem. We go there and do everything.”