Michael: It's Be Tough

The Swedish World Cup star arrived at St Mary's in the summer from French side Troyes determined to prove himself in English football, but an injury at the start of his Saints career led to a slower start than he had hoped for.

"It took a little time to adjust," said Michael, "but things are going very well now and I hope it will continue.

"The Premiership is very, very good and you have to be on your toes the whole time.

"The pace is 100% for 90 minutes and you can't afford to lose your concentration because if you let up you will be punished.

"It's a league that has everything - pace, skill and it's physical. It does take time to adapt, but I feel as if I've improved this season and I'm still improving," he told PA Sport.

Svensson has though kept his place in the Saints side for the past five games, and is expected to start again against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, a game he admitted on joining the club he would love to play in.