Norwich boss Chris Hughton expects tough evening at in-form Southampton

Chris Hughton: Predicts difficult evening at St Mary's

Manager Chris Hughton says Norwich have a tough job at Southampton to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

The Canaries have not lost since the October international break, and have chalked up memorable victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.

But Southampton have been finding their Premier League legs, beating QPR and Newcastle in their last two games.

"Southampton are a team playing well at the moment, they are at home, and we will need to give a good account of ourselves to get something," Hughton said.

"It is about going into our game the way we have of late, showing our confidence, and trying to nullify the quality that they have got, but also play our own game.

"At home they create a wonderful atmosphere and are a team playing with a lot of confidence.

"They are on the back of a good win at Queens Park Rangers, and I think they took that into the game against Newcastle, so it will be a tough one."

Keeper John Ruddy is a doubt for the trip to the Hampshire coast, but Hughton has every confidence Mark Bunn, signed from Blackburn in August, will prove an able deputy if needed.

"We would have no worries at all about bringing in Mark," Hughton said.

"When we brought him in originally that was the exact reason, because of his experience, which allows the two youngsters we have here to go out and get some games."

The match sees the return of referee Mark Clattenburg following the dismissal of allegations he used inappropriate language towards Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Hughton said: "I think everybody in the game is delighted to see him back. Mark is someone who I have met on a few occasions and he has a real passion for what he does.

"He is an excellent referee and is back doing what he does best."

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