Maya Yoshida believes Saints are ready to take the next step and compete in Europe – but has admitted they have got some tough games left to secure their place.

The defender is hopeful that Ronald Koeman’s men can finish off what has been a fantastic season so far by qualifying for the Europa League.

And he believes that, for himself and his teammates, it is time they went to the next stage.

“I am 26, this year 27, so I think it’s time to play another level,” he said.

“I think it will be a really good new challenge for me as well, and for the other lads as well, so I really want to get the chance of playing that competition.”

If Saints are to guarantee a Europa League place, they must finish in the top six.

Currently, they are seventh, one point below Tottenham, who are in the place above them.

Daily Echo:

Dreaming of Europe: Maya Yoshida

Saints’ current position could still be good enough, but only if Arsenal beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup final on May 30.

Obviously, Yoshida (above) and the rest of the players would rather not leave it to chance and, after last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Spurs, they will be hoping to take advantage of trips to relegation-threatened pair Sunderland and Leicester in their next two games.

“Those two are struggling to stay up in the Premier League,” he said.

“It is always difficult playing against teams like this, so you have to fight a lot.

“Always 50-50, you have to fight and you have to get the second ball.

“Defensively, nothing to change and try to play football like [on Saturday], so it will be nice, it will be good.”