CEDRIC Soares admits Saints are still getting used to their new system under manager Claude Puel. But the right-back, fresh from extending his Saints deal until 2020, believes it will not be long before the team fully adapts to the diamond formation.

“It was not the result we wanted, but there were moments where we were good,” said the Portugese, after the 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

“I think we were better than Sunderland but we are improving and getting used to the new ideas.

"All the lads are getting used to it, step by step we are improving and all the lads are trying to get even better. I’ve played it before in my career and need to go forward [more] to give solution to the middle."

Fresh from winning Euro 2016 with Portugal and extending his Saints contract until 2020, Cedric is not short of confidence despite Saints’ mediocre start to the season.

He is now preparing for Portugal’s first games since their historic triumph against the Euro 2016 hosts at the Stade de France last month; a friendly against Gibraltar on Thursday and their first World Cup qualifier away to Switzerland next Tuesday.

“[Euro 2016] was a fantastic moment, a very important moment in my career," said Cedric, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Wednesday.

"It was a fantastic achievement for me personally and for the whole national team - but we always want to achieve more. “It’s the sort of thing that may happen only once in life so we enjoy it a lot and I will remember it in years to come.

“But now I’m focusing here [at Southampton] and want to get better and better. I always want more and am already focused on doing well and improving as a player and as a person.”

Cedric had three years left on the deal he signed after arriving in a £4.7m move from Sporting Lisbon last year, which he agreed to extend in the same week that his Portugal teammate Jose Fonte agreed to stay.

“It made me very proud to be signing a new deal after one year,” he said.

"The support from the club, they show that they trust me and I will fight for them back. I look forward to continuing to play with him (Fonte).”

After Fonte had given away the penalty from which Jermain Defoe gave Sunderland an 80th-minute lead, Cedric was delighted to see Jay Rodriguez score his first Premier League goal for two-and-a-half years.

“He’s a fantastic player, it’s nice to have him back and see that he’s fit,” he said.

“[His injuries] were a tough moment for him but he came back and that shows he’s also very strong mentally. I hope he continues to show his value.”