Southampton 'are going in right direction' - Still

Southampton have only won once in the league this season

Southampton boss Will Still admits it has been a "frustrating" start to the season for his side - but insists they are going "in the right direction".

Saints have picked up just six points from their opening six league games and sit 19th, having failed to win since the opening weekend of the Championship season.

After two defeats and three draws, despite being new to his surroundings at St Mary's, Still has started to come under some pressure from fans to deliver results.

But after a narrow Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool in midweek, many have taken encouragement from elements of the performance at Anfield.

"It's frustrating being where we are and having the number of points we have but we are to blame for that," Still told BBC Radio Solent.

"We need to stand up and start picking up points pretty soon otherwise it creates a bit more of a challenge.

"It's not an excuse but it is early days in the Championship season, and a lot of pieces have moved over the past couple of weeks and we need to get that right sooner rather than later.

"Especially after Tuesday, I am fairly confident we're making progress and we're going in the right direction."

Prior to their exit from the EFL Cup, Saints lost 3-1 to Hull City and endured a frustrating draw with their bitter rivals Portsmouth.

On Saturday, they take on Championship leaders Middlesbrough who have won five of their six games so far and are yet to taste defeat in the league.

Still's side will be searching for their first league win since beating Wrexham at St Mary's in August.

"These next three games are an opportunity to have a right go," Still added.

"We're playing good teams and they are all big games - we just need to build on Tuesday, correct some mistakes we made and then move forward.

"It frustrates me as much as anyone that it isn't going as quick as I'd like it to but that's just human nature and the way football works."