Everton manager Ronald Koeman has said that he is looking forward to returning to St Mary's when his side take on Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Koeman enjoyed two successful seasons with the Saints before his summer switch to Goodison Park, steering the club to seventh place in his first campaign before going one better last term as Southampton recorded their highest ever Premier League finish and points tally.

The Dutchman will return to his old stomping ground for the first time this weekend, and he is hopeful of a positive reception from the fans.

"It is nice [to be heading back], because me and the technical staff had a great time over there," he told reporters.

"It is special because in the last two seasons I had a great time and the club was very successful - I was proud of that period.

"I hope [the fans] will respect me. I had a great time and, after my career, I will look back and [think] I had a great time there but I am the Everton manager now and we both need the points."

Everton have won just one of their last seven Premier League outings and now sit six points adrift of the top four.