Nathan Jones seeking Southampton defensive improvement amid backing of Gavin Bazunu

Southampton manager Nathan Jones is targeting a significant defensive improvement to lift his side off the bottom of the Premier League, having backed Gavin Bazunu in the wake of a goalkeeping error at the weekend.

The Saints are at Fulham on Saturday as they aim to improve on a disappointing clean sheet record this season.

Southampton have conceded in 15 of their 16 Premier League outings this term and slipped to the foot of the division after a 3-1 home loss to Brighton in which Republic of Ireland international Bazunu made a mistake for the Seagulls' opening goal.

Jones backed Bazunu, who is in his debut season for the club, following that defeat to Brighton, describing him as "fantastic keeper".

The former Shamrock Rovers and Portsmouth keeper, who was also deemed at fault for an opposition goal when Southampton stumbled past Sky Bet League One Lincoln in the Carabao Cup last week, could retain his starting spot as Alex McCarthy missed the Brighton game with an ankle issue.

But Jones says his beleaguered side cannot dwell on past defensive deficiencies as he seeks to improve a dismal clean sheet record.

The Welshman accepts tightening up one of the top-flight's most porous defences is among his greatest challenges.

"We have to pick a side that can hopefully defend better," he said, looking forward to the visit to Craven Cottage.

"Having kept one clean sheet in 16, that's not good enough. If you'd kept three or four in 16 games then you're sitting in a different position now.

"Yes, there would still be work to do but we'd be in a better position and that's what we have to do.

"We can't dwell on anything. We know we've had defensive deficiencies. And that's not just individuals, that's as a team and as a collective.

"We need to