DANNY Ings is adamant that the current crop of Saints players can recover from last Friday’s 9-0 defeat to Leicester.

The St Mary’s mauling set a club record for the heaviest ever defeat in its 133-year history.

However, with an improved performance against Man City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, Ings believes they need to leave the Leicester loss behind them and start looking forward.

“It [losing 9-0] was something that will stay with us but also something that can't affect us moving forward,” explained the former Liverpool player.

“We know how difficult this league is and we know that we are going to have to perform a hell of a lot better than that night.

“It’s something I believe we can do. We’ve got the ability, we’ve got the players and we’ve got a manager who is really passionate about doing well.

“It’s important that we are all together to move forward.

“I really feel that the next few weeks are exciting for us because moments like that can change situations.

“It can show who you are as individuals and who you are as a team. I believe in this team and it’s important for us to feel confident moving forward.”

Following last Friday’s defeat, the players had their weekend off cancelled and decided to donate a day’s wages to the Saints Foundation.

They hope it will go some way to restoring a bit of pride in the team and to apologise for throwing the towel in like they did at St Mary’s.

Ings was taken off against Leicester at half time, as manager Ralph Hasenhuttl reshuffled the team by bringing on two defenders.

And speaking about what it was like inside Saints’ dressing following the aftermath of a 9-0 defeat, the striker added: “It was very quiet. 

“I think a lot of us were in a bit of shock about what just happened. 

“The game got away from us very, very quickly and that was on us. We all take responsibility for that.

“It wasn’t the ideal changing room to walk into after a game but, as tough as it is, that’s behind us now.

“We want to show everybody how much we care and how much we want it as players, as a team and as a club.”

Saints will travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for the second time this week, having already lost 3-1 to City.

Pep Guardiola made a host of changes to his starting XI for the Carabao Cup tie and is expected to restore the star names for Saturday’s line-up.

Because of this, Ings, who was left on the bench on Tuesday, knows Saints are going to be up against it.

“Whatever team they put out is going to be outstanding, everybody knows that in the game,” admitted Ings.

“There is a reason why the players they have play for Manchester City, they are a great side.

“We have to worry about what we are doing and that’s the most important thing. We want to go there and put on a good display for the travelling fans.

“Every team has to be disciplined when you go to places like City or Liverpool. You have to be disciplined because you can get punished, that’s just the way it is in the top bracket of the Premier League.

“We will be disciplined and do everything we can to try and stop them. We will give absolutely everything this weekend.”

Although Saints have struggled for large parts of this season, on bright spark has been the form of Ings.

He’s netted six goals in all competitions so far, which includes a delightful double against fierce rivals Pompey back in September.

The 27-year-old puts his solid form down to the amount of hard work he did during pre-season.

“I feel like pre-season is ready underrated for athletes, but I feel as though it’s the most important part of the season,” continued the Saints ace.

“Pre-season can really kickstart you in the right way to perform at your best and then it’s about maintaining that fitness and staying strong.

“I didn’t have too much of an off-season. I spent one week in Portugal a physio from the club during the middle of the break.

“The rest of the time I spent with one of my best friends who I used to play with at Bournemouth many years ago.

“He’s now a personal trainer and is doing very well because he understands the game and understands what it takes to be at the fitness levels needed.”