MICHAEL Obafemi is hopeful his performance against Arsenal will see him become a regular player in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI.

The striker made his first Premier League start of the season at the Emirates, having only played from the beginning in the Carabao Cup games away to Fulham and Pompey.

Hasenhuttl has previously questioned the youngster’s professionalism in terms of how he looks after himself away from Staplewood.

But now he’s back in the fold, and with a solid performance under his belt, Obafemi is determined to become a regular fixture on the team sheet.

“I was buzzing to be playing and I think I showed out on the pitch why I should be starting,” claimed the Republic of Ireland international.

“I just kept my head down and kept working hard and waited for my chance to come.”

When questioned whether the only way to win back the confidence of Hasenhuttl was to turn up and put the work in on the training ground, Obafemi responded: “I guess so – that’s what I’ve been doing.”

“I think it’s been taken on board and I thought I played well against Arsenal.

“I feel like I am doing well at the moment, so hopefully I can carry on doing that.”

Although Saints were unable to pull off a surprise win at the Emirates on Saturday, their performance should give them plenty of confidence for the Watford tie this weekend.

The Hornets are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, just one point off Hasenhuttl’s side, and will be hurting after being thrashed by Burnley.

Because of their Arsenal display, Obafemi feels as though they can start looking forward to playing Watford on Saturday.

He added: “We needed and wanted three points against Arsenal.

“There are definitely positives to take from it.

“We are disappointed with the draw because everyone knows we should have got the win and the three points.

“Next weekend is a huge game and we can start looking forward to that. We know we can do it.

“We all have belief in each other. We are a team on and off the pitch.

“I don’t think we deserve to be where we are but unfortunate circumstances, like Saturday, put us in that place but we will bounce back.”

In-form Danny Ings netted again to continue his impressive run of goals, although Saints are yet to win any of the six Premier League games that he’s netted in.

Despite this statistic, Obafemi feels as though Saints will have enough firepower to beat the drop.

The striker added: “We’ve got Danny Ings, myself and Redders.

“I think we will be fine.”