Ralph Hasenhuttl thinks Saints will show a positive reaction to their defeat against Bournemouth in tonight’s derby match at Pompey.

The Saints manager was encouraged that his side put in a strong second half showing in the 3-1 St Mary’s defeat and is expecting that to be carried over into tonight’s Fratton Park fixture.

“It’s always a chance to force a reaction from the players. We showed a good reaction second half but we have to know if we give goals that easy away it is always difficult in a low score sport to come back,” he reckoned.

“The players know that they invested a lot and that never feels good.

“The last four games we had good results and maybe didn’t play that good. This time we played much better and didn’t get something.

“We need to go in the lead one time in a home game which we didn’t do so far and that would help us massively.

“There were a few mistakes in this game and that is what we have to stop.”

Hasenhuttl insisted that Saints understand the strength of feeling in the fanbase surrounding this game.

“I can say that all of us, every member of this club and this team, is looking forward to this game,” he insisted.

“We have a big chance to write the history in our way.

“It’s not about thinking what we can’t do but winning. We can win there.

“It’s a cup game and cup games are always a special atmosphere and a special moment for every player and this atmosphere is important for every cup competition.

“Look at the winners in recent years and they had tight games in the first round and maybe penalties.

“I expect a tight game against an opponent who will give everything. We do the same and hopefully the right winner.

“It’s important we know what we are focusing on and that is our performance and it’s important this is from the first minute.

“We cannot think it is easy.”