SAINTS boss Russell Martin highlighted the importance of balancing "humility" with the urge to win as his side prepare to face Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

With Saints currently on a 24-match unbeaten run, confidence is high on the south coast that promotion back to the Premier League can be achieved this season.

Martin, though, insisted that his side cannot get ahead of themselves and they have to remain humble - in order to keep improving.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the boss said he believes the courage that his side show should not be mistaken for arrogance.

He said: "We all have a winner inside us - but you have to balance that with humility otherwise it is the wrong energy and the wrong place to be in.

"If you watch this team sometimes and I’ve had it a few times this season, they play with so much courage and conviction in what they are doing.

"Some people will look at it and say it’s maybe a bit arrogant or when I clap the players when they play out from a tight position, I maybe clap that too much sometimes.

"I feel that so much for the players, how difficult that is, and it is never arrogant if you are humble enough to understand that you still have a long way to go."

The 38 year old believes maintaining that humility and continuing to work hard is critical for himself, the players, and the staff - in achieving their goals.

He continued: "I’m still frustrated we haven’t got more points. I’m still frustrated we are fighting so hard to be in the top two, but we have to use that to keep driving us on and keep fuelling us.

"The minute any of us overstep or lack humility, we have a big problem – myself and the staff included.

"They are a brilliant group, and they work so hard in training for each other. It’s our job to make sure that we stay there.

"Whilst we have that then it’s a brilliant and beautiful thing to have. It’s up to us to make sure we always maintain that."