Southampton manager Ronald Koeman praised the attitude of his side as they returned to winning ways with victory against managerless Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The Saints bounced back from last weekend’s loss against Swansea to cut the gap on Manchester City to four points.

The Dutchman admitted he was impressed with how his squad have responded to setbacks this season.

“That shows the characters of the players and the character of the team, after a defeat at home last week we know that we have to win to fight for that high position, for that we have to play good football first and we have to show our character.

“Today was really a battle, but we did everything on a high level and I’m very proud of that.” He said

Sadio Mane’s injury-time winner at Loftus Road secured a fourth successive away win for the Saints and Koeman believes their bid to gatecrash the top four provides hope for the rest of the league.

“Last season it was Everton that was fighting for that position, and it looks like we are now the team who will fight for that position and that’s good because that makes changes and it’s good for the rest of the clubs.”

Meanwhile joint Rangers caretaker manager Chris Ramsey, who will take charge of the team alongside Kevin Bond against Sunderland on Tuesday, hinted he would relish the chance to replace Harry Redknapp.

“If you end up standing at Loftus Road in the Premier League as a manager, caretaker or coach you’ve achieved something and you want to build on that and become as great as you can at being a manger or coach.

“I’ve not been told if my hat is in the ring, all I’ve been asked to do is take the team for two games along with Kevin,” he said.