Steven Davis hopes Southampton resume on front foot at West Brom

Ronald Koeman's side, who finished seventh last term, had a difficult start to the 2015/16 campaign, picking up just two points from their first three matches, but overcame Norwich 3-0 at St Mary's 12 days ago before the enforced hiatus.

And Northern Ireland international Davis is hoping the Saints can pick up where they left off when they visit West Brom on Saturday.

"I think we were a little bit frustrated with the start to the season we had in terms of results, but Norwich gave us a lot of confidence," Davis told youtube.com/southamptonfc.

"We need to try and continue that momentum and this gives us another chance to do that

It was important to get that first win under our belts and hopefully we can go and build upon that."

Victor Wanyama could feature at The Hawthorns after making peace with Southampton over being denied a transfer

Defender Cuco Martina and forward Sadio Mane were still en route back after international duty on Thursday, so may not have enough preparation time to contest selection

Defender Virgil van Dijk could make his debut, but Jordy Clasie (ankle) and Ryan Bertrand (knee) remain out

Saido Berahino's brilliant half-volley just 70 seconds into the game settled the corresponding fixture last term, helping Tony Pulis' side take a giant step towards safety

And Davis is well aware of the threat the home team will pose this weekend

"It's always a difficult side to play against in the way he (Pulis) sets his team up

It'll be no different," the former Aston Villa, Fulham and Rangers man added

"It's a difficult ground to go to as well

It'll be a tough game but obviously after the Norwich City win, and the performance, we'll look to do something similar again.

"The start of the game is always important

It sets the tone for the rest of the match

I think we know if they get themselves in front they are difficult to break down.

"It's important we start the game well and if we can get to the same levels we did against Norwich, hopefully we can get a similar result."

Meanwhile, Southampton on Friday announced goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga has signed a new four-year contract

The 23-year-old has made 21 appearances since his arrival at the south-coast club from League One side Gillingham three years ago

With Fraser Forster in impressive form between the posts last season, the Argentinian played a key role in helping Saints win the Under-21 Premier League Cup.

Gazzaniga said on www.saintsfc.co.uk: "I am very excited about the future and very motivated also

We have a very good and strong team with a lot of players, and I think it's going to be a very good season.

"We can still improve from last year, so I think and hope that this year is going to be special."

Source : PA

Source: PA