Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte has admitted that "it is a pleasure" to be a part of Europe's second tightest defence.

The Saints have conceded just twice in the Premier League this season - the fewest in the division - with Serie A leaders Roma the only team in the major European leagues to boast a better record.

Their goal had been breached 24 times at this stage last term, so Fonte is delighted at the team's vast improvement, and confesses that the record is something Southampton's defensive unit will strive to maintain.

"After the criticism we got last year it is a pleasure to be part of this defence, but it is only eight games and we know this league is a very long journey. " he told Sky Sports News. "There are 30 games to go and we know it will be hard to keep clean-sheets but we are working towards that.

"We will try every game to keep clean-sheets because it is something we are proud of. It is something the defence and the keeper look forward to.

"We, as players, want to be part of records. It is not something we are obsessed by but it gets said and now we want to win even more on Saturday."

Fonte has played every minute of Southampton's Premier League campaign to date.