Saints latest news: 'It wouldn't be a shock' to see Southampton qualify for Europe

Journalist Tom Barclay wouldn’t be surprised if Southampton‘s recent form saw them end up qualifying for Europe.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have been in tremendous form of late and could move four points behind Tottenham if they beat Norwich tonight.

When Southampton drew at Crystal Palace before Christmas, they sat 15th in the Premier League and were only six points above the relegation-zone following a disappointing first half of the season.

But in the last two months, the St Mary’s outfit have been one of the most red-hot sides in the top-flight.

During that period, Southampton have won at both West Ham and Tottenham and secured a draw at Manchester United when they perhaps deserved more. Saints also held Manchester City and have taken 15 points from a possible 24 available.

As a result, Southampton have now moved into the top-half of the Premier League, meaning their previous relegation fears are a distant memory, with the gap to the bottom-three currently 12 points.

Should Hasenhuttl’s secure another victory against relegation-threatened Norwich this evening, they will move within five points of a potential European place.

And while Barclay doesn’t expect Southampton to be targeting a place in Europe, he wouldn’t be overly surprised given their recent improvements.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Given the way that teams around them are so inconsistent, I’m not saying they should be targeting Europe, I think it will still be a stretch this season, but if they finish there, it wouldn’t shock me given the way they’re playing and getting better.”

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As it stands, only sixth place will be good enough for a place in Europe, which would appear slightly