Mauricio Pellegrino has claimed that the improvements are clear to see after Southampton edged out Premier League rivals Watford to progress through in the FA Cup.

The Saints have been disappointing in the top flight this term, finding themselves inside the bottom three after 24 games and one point from safety.

Southampton's 1-0 win over Watford was their first at St Mary's since November, and just a fifth victory in 23 overall since August, which Pellegrino hopes will boost confidence in the dressing room.

"I think the two more important reasons for this victory is to move in this 90 minutes to the next round. We also want to progress in this competition," he told the assembled press at full time.

"On the other hand I think in the dressing room our feeling is we are growing as a team, little by little. We are playing much better with the ball and without the ball. When you have to suffer we compete well.

"In comparison with the game against Watford home or away it was the best first 60 minutes. We couldn't kill the game earlier but I think we deserve to win. We suffer at the end and dangerous with direct crosses and we change with Maya to try and be strong in this moment."

Southampton now face a crucial relegation double-header against fellow strugglers Brighton & Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion over the next week.