RALPH Hasenhuttl is backing his Saints side to kick on and start climbing the Premier League table.

The south coast outfit all but secured their top-flight survival with a convincing 3-0 win away to relegation battlers Norwich.

And with games against Arsenal and Watford on the horizon, Saints’ manager wants his team to replicate Friday’s emphatic performance.

“We have another eight games and what I can say is that the team looks very fit,” Hasenhuttl said.

“We had a physical advantage, and this is important because it’s an intense time and we now have a home game against Arsenal.

“They are a good team and will be interesting. We are really looking forward to this game.

“We always speak about 40 points, so we need another three, but we have another eight games.

“We have a big chance to climb a few positions in the table and if we play like we did [on Friday] then this consistency will help us.”

Due to no fans being present at Carrow Road, Hasenhuttl could be heard directing his players from the technical area.

Whether it be encouraging Yan Valery to push on or for Michael Obafemi to look up when he has the ball inside the area, the Austrian was relentless for 90 minutes.

But, following a Saints win, Hasenhuttl normally celebrates with his squad before sharing the moment with the club’s supporters.

And going over the fans is what he missed most revelling in Friday night’s victory.

“It’s not so nice when you win and only celebrate with the people around you,” he added. “It would have been nicer to celebrate with the fans.

“On the other side, from a coaching point of view, it’s a little bit easier because you have more chances to coach them and for them to hear you.

“This makes it a little bit easier for me.

“It’s a strange situation but we must come back to normality and this was an important step.”

 “It’s always the same players I’m shouting at – it’s not a coincidence!

“No, sometimes the players switch off and it’s good because you can push them a little bit.”