Nathaniel Clyne tells Soccer AM that Southampton will fight top-four place

Nathaniel Clyne is happy with his form this season and says Southampton will fight until the end of the season in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.

The defender has been one of the stand-out performers as the Saints have surpassed expectations to challenge at the top end of the Premier League table and he has praised the work of manager Ronald Koeman at St Mary's.

Speaking to Soccer AM, Clyne admitted there were a few worries among the players when key performers such as Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw were sold last summer, but Koeman soon allayed any fears.

“He’s done really well,” said Clyne. “The players have bought into the system and the style of play that he wants is to play. We’ve adapted to what he’s asked of us, we’ve performed and done well.

“It was a bit of a concern with the players leaving, but as soon as the new gaffer came in and he brought in the players, the confidence came straight back.

“The confidence of the team was good, we all felt comfortable and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Clyne accepts Southampton face an uphill battle to make the top four now, but he insists that will not stop them giving their all to try and achieve it.

“From the start of the season we’ve done really well, we’ve pushed on and we’re still at the top fighting for a Champions League spot,” he added.

“I think it’s tough, there are a lot of good teams up there and we’re a few points adrift but we will just keep pushing until the end of the season and see what can happen.”

On a personal level Clyne has excelled this season, earning his first England caps and he is starting to establish himself as first-choice right-back for his country.

“It’s been decent. I feel like I’ve had a pretty good season, my confidence has gone sky high at the moment, I’m playing well and I’m looking to continue,” he said.

“Hopefully I fulfil my potential. It’s good days, happy days.”

The 24-year-old has also benefitted from the guidance of Sky Sports pundit and England coach Gary Neville at international level, himself a right-back in his playing days.

“He definitely gives me tactics on how to play as a right-back and if I take them on board then I’m obviously doing something well,” added Clyne.

“It’s good that I have someone there as a coach that played that position and can help me.”

He definitely gives me tactics on how to play as a right-back and if I take them on board then I’m obviously doing something well.