Meanwhile, striker Jay Rodriguez may need an operation to cure a mystery foot problem.
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Hughes said: “We are playing a few good stuff at the moment and are in good form”.
Southampton have been lauded for their development since returning to the Premier League in 2012 – and they exceeded all expectations by finishing seventh under Koeman last season – while Stoke have advanced in Hughes’ two years in charge.
“Our last performance against Chelsea was really good, so confidence wise we can go there full of belief. That takes him down mentally, but we will give total support to the player”.
“Maybe they have a little bit more individual quality now”.
“We are close to the level that we want and we have to work hard”.
Long came on as a 55th-minute substitute as the Republic beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to qualify for Euro 2016.
The Saints boss has not been able to call on the striker for the past five weeks since he suffered an ankle problem playing for the Irish in their final Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland in the early October worldwide break. “I was surprised that Shane was coming off of the bench, because he had just one training session on Sunday with the national team, but ok I knew the importance of that game, the qualification for [Euro 2016] and I can understand that decision”.
Crouch, 34, has not yet started a Premier League game this season and has expressed his frustration.
The full-back misses the trip to the south coast but Erik Pieters will play at Southampton despite breaking his nose in two places during the win over Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Southampton have scored a league-high six headed goals so far this season.
– Jack Butland has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season.
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Southampton will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches when they face Stoke at St Mary’s on Saturday.
