Ward-Prowse happy with starting return

The midfielder replaced Steven Davis in Southampton’s XI for the evening kick-off at St Mary’s and the teenager assisted a goal before departing the pitch to a standing ovation when he was substituted late into the match.

Ward-Prowse feels that Saturday night’s win was the perfect occasion for him to start and he believed that the side certainly performed in the desired manner from the first whistle.

“It was a real good game to come back into,” the 18-year-old declared to Saints Player. “Coming back in the team, there was a lot of pressure. The lads have been playing really well and you’ve got to step up your game and try and be on the same level. It was a real good team performance today.

“I think when we went out to the warm-up you could just tell that the crowd was already up for it. It was partly down to us as well, the fact that we got out there on the front foot and pressed them and put in a real aggressive display – that got us where we were.

“I think we were on top form today. The way we went about it, our game plan really worked. I think we really did put Fulham to the sword.”

Ward-Prowse attributed some of the night’s success to constant hard work both physically and technically in training. The youngster revealed that the desired outcome is having a hugely positive effect on the team and is aiming for that to be replicated against Stoke next week.

“The working week is very hard,” he stressed. “We’ve got a lot of gym work and running which prepares us for this and I think that the tactical side of the game has been really planned well during the week – I think that’s paid off tonight.

“It’s a hard game so obviously everyone’s tired, but then you go in and look at the table. You feel good about yourself, everyone’s buzzing and giving each other high-fives and stuff. There’s a real good mood in the camp, moving forward. 

“The way our week is planned, the physical and tactical work is all put in place so we’re raring to go on the Saturday. I think we’ll have another good week and I’m sure we’ll be ready to go next weekend."