Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has expressed his belief that his side's narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night will prove to be a "pivotal" moment in their season.

Sadio Mane scored an 83rd-minute winner for the Saints as they ended a three-match winless and goalless streak that had threatened to derail their surprise bid for a Champions League place.

However, the victory took them back up to within one point of the top four, and Ward-Prowse is hoping that their battling performance will be important come the end of the season.

"We reflected on the win in the changing room and we believe it's going to be a pivotal three points come the end of the season," Ward-Prowse told Southampton's official YouTube channel.

"We haven't been on the best of runs lately and it's great to obviously get the three points and move forward. You could feel the whole stadium was pleased.

"It wasn't a pretty performance, not a vintage Southampton display, but we dug deep, the fans got behind us and I think we showed great character."

Southampton now have an 11-day break before their next match, which comes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on March 15.