RALPH Hasenhuttl is confident he can keep his squad happy during the Christmas period.

With three games in seven days, Saints’ boss wants all his players to be ready if they are called upon.

Despite this, he admits it’s going to be a tough juggling act if the St Mary’s side discovers their winning form.

Speaking about getting the right balance, Hasenhuttl said: “In the international breaks it’s easier because you have a friendly game and you can give them the chance to play which is important for them.

“Sometimes it’s helpful because they can get a few minutes, and on the other side, you must speak with them and tell that what you are missing from them at the moment and expect more.

“It’s not always easy. Sometimes, it’s only because of the last games that you change something because it didn’t work.

“Then you are part of a losing team and you have no arguments or fewer arguments.

“When you win or play well in the team then you have the argument to play again, so it’s all about the team performance and this is what we are always praying.

“Put your ego behind, work for the team – even if you are not playing from the beginning.”

The Austrian emphasised the point that he needs the players who aren’t playing to stay motivated as things can change quickly.

In the build-up to the Arsenal match, he revealed that it was the first time in a while he had a full squad to pick from.

However, with Stuart Armstrong nursing a hamstring injury and Sofiane Boufal with a swollen toe, it means an opportunity has presented itself within the squad.

Hasenhuttl added: “I think it’s important they know that we need every player.

“Until the end of the season, we have so many games. Look at the next seven days, we have three games.

“Last week, we had four number 10s and I didn’t know who to play, but now we have two out and I don’t know who to play and, suddenly, I don’t have this question.

“It’s so quick in football that you can have the chance to play and this is what every player needs to know.

“It goes quicker than you think before you play again. You have to be fit in time and in the perfect shape.”