FORMER Saints favourite Marian Pahars suffered a dismal night in the European Championship 2016 qualifiers.

He could only watch on from the sidelines as his Latvian side were thrashed 6-0 by the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

Dutch manager Guus Hiddink had threatened to walk away if the Oranje were been beaten again, having seen his side defeated in both away games so far against the Czech Republic and Iceland.

The Dutch’s poor form had led to suggestions in Holland that Saints boss Ronald Koeman would be the perfect replacement for Hiddink.

However, any suggestions of another shock result were dispelled as captain Robin van Persie put the home side ahead after just six minutes with his 48th international goal.

Rampant Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben cracked home a second and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted a third from close range just before half-time.

Jeffrey Bruma scored his first senior international goal after a corner with 12 minutes left.

There was still time for Robben to lash in another from the edge of the Latvia box to cap a fine individual display, with Huntelaar adding a late sixth with a crisp turn and low finish.

The victory came at a cost, however, with Manchester United's defensive midfielder Daley Blind limping off in the first half.