Nathaniel Clyne has claimed that Southampton can rise to the challenge of playing against teams looking to frustrate their attack.

The Saints remain one of the contenders for Champions League qualification as Ronald Koeman's side continue to surpass expectations, and Clyne admits that their form has presented difficult tests.

"I think teams are coming up against us and making it really difficult for us to play," the England defender told the Daily Mail.

"I think they are coming to play counter-attacking football, which means that we have to try and break them down.

"Yeah, it makes it difficult but we're up for the challenge."

Southampton return to action against Liverpool a week on Sunday.