CLAUS Lundekvam insists Saints have enough quality to avoid becoming the club’s second team to be relegated from the Premier League.

Lundekvam, a pundit for Norwegian channel TV2, was at the Etihad Stadium to see Saints’ 3-1 defeat to Manchester City and the 2-1 defeat to Everton was the first game he has seen at St Mary’s for two years.

He said: “I think we have more than enough quality in the squad to pick up enough points to stay in the Premier League, without a doubt.

“But it comes down to the hunger and the heart of the players. Only they can determine whether we stay up or not. It’s about bow much they want it.

“We need more of the determination we showed at Man City where we played a heroic game and led for 80 minutes. That sort of team effort and togetherness and hunger and passion is what’s needed.

“We showed we can defend properly against Manchester City if we are on it. We were defensively minded against a world-class side but there were other positives in the way we kept the ball. We also have goals in us. Danny’s working his socks off up front and we have other players who can score.”

Less impressive was the most recent performance against Everton.

“We were very, very poor in the first half,” said Lundekvam, who was part of the Saints squad relegated from the Premier League in 2005.

“We seemed to be missing a plan and a clear direction. We need the leaders in the team to step up. We’re in trouble at the moment, but there’s still a long way to go and time to sort things out.

“It’s about how much the players want it.

“For the leaders to step it up and get a grip of each other and start picking up points.

“If we do that I think we’ll be ok as we have enough quality in the side.”

Lundekvam admires Maya Yoshida, to name one player for the understated leadership he provides , and sees something of himself in the central defender.

“I think the centre-backs are good players and Maya is a consistent performer and a quiet leader, a bit like I was. We need more of that. I also admire Maya as a person; a club man who always gives his best and appreciates and values the supporters, the community and the people of Southampton.”

Lundekvam appreciated the opportunity to return to St Mary’s. “It’s always emotional going back as it always is,” he admitted. “The reception I received was unbelievable, it brought a tear to my eye. The club will always be in my heart.”