Jan Bednarek: Southampton defender says draws feel like defeats in unbeaten run

Jan Bednarek (right) hopes Southampton can surpass the club record unbeaten run, set in 1921-22

Jan Bednarek says Southampton will not ease off as they look to equal a club record unbeaten run set in 1921-22.

Saints have not lost for 18 matches in the Championship, going back to 23 September, but remain three points off the automatic promotion places.

Saturday's FA Cup third-round win means they can now match their record of 20 games unbeaten across all competitions.

Bednarek told BBC Radio Solent: "It's not bad but we are not where we want to be - it's not enough."

Southampton need to avoid defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday to move level with the record undefeated sequence.

However, Poland defender Bednarek, 27, bemoaned the six draws in their positive streak, adding: "It's great to have an unbeaten run but for me those draws... I think they were like a defeat for us.

"That's what makes the difference. We are getting points but it's not enough for us - we always want more. If we stay on this mindset we'll be where we want to be at the end of the season."

Bednarek is approaching 200 Saints appearances over seven seasons at St Mary's but is keen to ensure there will be more to come in the top flight.

He said: "Our target is promotion, to get back to the Premier League. It's a long way to go [but] I feel like there is still a lot of hunger in the team, willingness to learn and improve. We are playing well. There are still some bits missing but we are going in the right direction.

"It's not been easy, we had a bad spell [early in the season], four defeats, we went through the tough moments, but most importantly we stuck together. We cannot be satisfied with what we have done so far."