THOMAS Frank believes midfielder James Ward-Prowse could be the world’s best free-kick specialist.

Brentford boss Frank has hailed Ward-Prowse’s dead-ball ability as all-but unrivalled in the world, rating only Lionel Messi as a current rival to Saints’ 27-year-old.

Ward-Prowse struck his 11th direct free-kick Premier League goal in the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace on December 15, leaving only Gianfranco Zola, Thierry Henry and David Beckham with more.

Brentford face Saints at St Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League tomorrow, with Frank warning his side to beware Ward-Prowse’s dead-ball threat.

“Ward-Prowse is maybe the best set-piece taker in the league, maybe he’s even the best free-kick taker in the world,” said Frank.

“There’s one left-footer at PSG who’s right up there and is pretty good as well.

“So maybe Ward-Prowse is the best right-footed free-kick taker in the world.

“So many times he just puts it into the top corner.

“It’s not the same as a penalty but it’s pretty close to it for Ward-Prowse.

“So we’ve got to be aware of that, trying not to give a foul away around the box.”

Brentford will head to the south coast to face Saints off the back of consecutive wins, having edged out Aston Villa 2-1 in the league before easing past Port Vale 4-1 in Saturday’s third-round FA Cup clash.

Frank expects a stern challenge from the hosts however, with the Bees boss offering high praise for his Saints counterpart Ralph Hasenhuttl.

“I think Southampton are a good, experienced Premier League side,” said Frank.

“Ralph Hasenhuttl and his coaching staff have done a top job down there.

“His team is very well-organised, very well-drilled.

“We know they are coming most likely in a 4-2-2-2 formation, but that they can change very easily to for example a 4-3-3.

“But the energy and structure in the middle, their high press is very impressive.

“They are one of the best or maybe even at some stages the best high-energy pressing team in the league. It is very impressive, so we need to deal with that.”