Saints are ready to cope with increased expectations for the rest of the season, according to James Ward-Prowse.

With 16 games left in the campaign, Ronald Koeman’s side are third in the table and have a realistic chance of qualifying not just for Europe, but even the Champions League.

In their last four top-flight matches, Saints have drawn with Chelsea at home, beaten Arsenal at St Mary’s, then won away to Manchester United and Newcastle.

It is a run that has pushed what would once have seemed nothing more than an unachievable dream into the realms of reality.

That will also mean a far greater level of expectation being placed on Saints during the remainder of the campaign, but Ward-Prowse insists the players are ready to deal with that.

“We’re very prepared,” he said.

“We haven’t really spoken much about that.

“We just take literally each game as it comes – no matter who the opposition are, home or away, [we believe] that we can beat them, because we’ve got great ability in the squad, and we’ve got the right attitude and mentality, so as long as we apply all of that then I’m sure we’ll be ok.”

So far, as their prospects of a European finish have increased, there have been no indications of any panic from Saints, or departure from their normal mindset.

“I think we’re just taking it in our stride,” said Ward-Prowse.

“It’s very cliché to say, but we just take each game as it comes.

“We want to win every game of football that we play.

“Everybody’s very driven, and we’ve got good leaders in the team who really do drive the team on and we keep our feet on the ground and keep edging away.”

Saints’ position in the table is all the more impressive when you consider the fixtures they have faced in the last two months, including a pair of games against both Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as the visits of Manchester City and Chelsea to St Mary’s.

“It says a lot,” agreed Ward-Prowse. “We haven’t got there just by chance or by luck.

“We’ve worked very hard and deserve to be where we are. I think that’s credit to everyone at the club.

“Obviously, [it was] a difficult summer that the club had – everyone stuck with us, all the fans were very good as well, and I think it’s proven we’ve got great confidence out on the pitch and that’s why we are where we are.”

Saints’ schedule during December and early January was particularly packed, and, while he said the players enjoyed it, Ward-Prowse explained they are also glad of some additional recovery time.

“It’s been pretty hectic with game after game after game,” he said. “But that’s what we all love.

“We all love playing football, so it’s good to have those games, but now’s a good chance to rest and recover and really focus and prepare on each game as it comes.”