Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis has admitted that he is very proud after learning that his side will be competing in the Europa League next season.

The South Coast club benefited from Arsenal's FA Cup win over Aston Villa yesterday, as the Gunners are already assured of Champions League football.

Davis told Southampton's official website: "I think to sum it up in one word is proud. The feeling of finishing seventh and being in a European competition – the only word I can use is proud. I'm proud of my teammates, proud of the club and proud of what everyone has achieved.

"To be a club like Southampton and progress as we have done, to me it's the natural next step to qualify for European competition. I think we've progressed year on year and for us to finish seventh in the Premier League ahead of so many fantastic football clubs to put ourselves in this position warranted the opportunity to play in Europe.

"We needed Arsenal to win the cup but at the same time that position of seventh is what has given us the opportunity. We're very excited and looking forward to the prospect of playing in the Europa League next year. But we've still got a hurdle to come across (the third qualifying round) and that's what we'll be focusing on."

Ronald Koeman's men finished seventh in the Premier League table.