FORMER Saints forward Brett Ormerod admitted he thinks Russell Martin has "sometimes overplayed things" but backs his side to catch Ipswich Town. 

The St Mary's outfit remain eight points behind the Tractor Boys in the top two and were beaten by Kieran McKenna's charges 1-0 at home earlier this season. 

However, Saints, managed by Russell Martin, are now 11 games unbeaten in the Championship and won their last two fixtures with clean sheets. 

Ormerod, who made 112 appearances for Saints between 2002-2006, scoring 19 goals, insists they can catch Ipswich and have one distinct advantage. 

He told Stocklytics: "No one gave Ipswich a chance when they got promoted.

Daily Echo: Brett Ormerod was eventually relegated from the Premier League with SaintsBrett Ormerod was eventually relegated from the Premier League with Saints

"Kieran McKenna has done a fantastic job. I don't think there's any reason why Southampton can't reach their level.

"Russell Martin is a good coach but he's sometimes overplayed things and lacked a cutting edge," the 47 year old added. 

"They seem to be getting that now and there's no reason why Southampton can't be up there fighting for promotion.

"Southampton, Leeds, and Ipswich will all be in the mix. Whether Norwich get an act together I'm not so sure. When you get relegated there's a huge advantage due to the parachute payments." 

Saints visit potential playoff challengers Watford on Saturday, December 9, as they look to make it a dozen games without defeat.