DUSAN Tadic admitted his brace against Aston Villa has proved once again that he must pull on his shooting boots more often as Saints look to make a late surge into the Europa League places.

The Serbian attacker is Saints’ top assister in the Premier League this season, with seven to his name, and is hitting form at an important time.

But, Tadic’s Villa Park double was evidence that perhaps he should be more selfish – especially if it will help Ronald Koeman’s side put pressure on the top seven and a European finish.

After scoring his sixth and seventh Prem goals of the season, Tadic discussed his shooting, which has gone under the microscope before during his St Mary’s stay.

He said: “I need to improve on that because I think I have a good shot, but sometimes I don’t use it so much. Sometimes I search for another solution, but if you don’t shoot you can’t score a goal.

“All [of your] career you can improve some things. I need to be more selfish, to finish action.

“Not because I’m not that (selfish) kind of player, I like to give assists but, sometimes, in some moments, I need to finish action for myself.”

The 27-year-old has been advised by Koeman in the past that perhaps he should shoot rather than look to lay on a goal for team-mates.

Certainly, his nine goals in all competitions this term – which beats his five-goal total last term – is clear evidence that he is becoming a more a clinical finisher.

Two well-taken strikes to go with another great performance at relegated Villa is seeing Tadic, who looked full of energy at Everton 11 days ago, hit form at a crucial time.

“I feel good, this is most important,” he said. “My team-mates play me lots of ball, they use me and I like that and then I can show my best.

“In some moments I search for players, but I think it was the right decision to finish [against Villa].”

With the former FC Twente man finding his best once more, he could prove vital as Saints go all out for three wins from their three remaining games in the hope of securing Europa League football for a second successive season.

Tadic has gone through a similar routine to last term, with his good performances coming in streaks and not consistently throughout the season.

However, he is ready to keep the momentum up until the end this term.

“We will try to take maximum points,” he said. “It will be hard because the next game will be against Manchester City.

“But we give our best and we will see at the end of the season.”