New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has admitted that his side have struggled away from home this season.

The Saints have won just three games on the road this year compared to their unbeaten home record and they now face a crucial game at the Carolina Panthers, where their playoff fate could rest on how they fair at Bank of America Stadium.

Payton told reporters: "No, probably in fairness to that, maybe earlier in the year but those questions certainly are valid ones right now. I think over our tenure here in 2006 we have played very well on the road and yet that is insignificant as it pertains to 2013.

"No I don't know that we necessarily embrace it or get frustrated with it, it is really you guys reporting what is accurate. Maybe three weeks ago after or two months ago after the Jet loss, but it is what it is right now though."

Payton's side are 10-4 in their season and first in the NFC South going into their clash with the Panthers.