Southampton boss Tonda Eckert told his players to keep working after they beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 to make it six consecutive Championship wins.It was a great night for the fourth-placed Saints, who are in real contention for automatic promotion after their south-coast rivals Portsmouth beat second-placed Ipswich 2-0 at Fratton Park. "We did them a favour as well. It's a strong south coast today," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

Relegated last season and 21st when Will Still was sacked as manager in November, Southampton now unbeaten in 18 matches and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. "It sounds boring because I keep repeating myself, but we need to keep our heads down and keep working. It's the only way," said Eckert."This squad is in a moment and a place where you can put on whoever you want to put on and they're ready and well able to perform.

That's a big plus for us at this part of the season."That's all it comes down to at this stage of the season. When you step on the grass you need to be ready to perform."Latest Southampton news and analysisListen to Southampton content on BBC Sounds