Stern brings jolly times to Southampton - 12/08/07

Trinidad and Tobago striker Stern John sums up his recent run of goals to self belief and patience.

 John netting his ninth goal of the season with a stylish hattrick on Saturday to lead Southampton to a 4-0 rout of Hull City and keep his team in the running for a chance at a promotion push in 2008.

 But for John, the season has not been all jolly as the present time of year. And it seems that the he may have now taken up the role of a Santa making an early arrival at Southampton.

 “Yea it could definitely mean that I’m doing things just at the right time for Southampton. I couldn’t have come at a better time even though when the switch was made (from Sunderland) I felt as though it could be a long, difficult road to something good. My form has come at a good time and the manager allowed me to start just at the appropriate time to allow me to show what I can do and bring some Christmas cheer to the fans here,” John said on Saturday.

 “I think it’s all down to self belief and patience because even when I came here even though I know I could score goals, nothing was a surety and it could have been a difficult time. But I kept my game up and now I’m trying to help Southampton go after promotion.”

 John added that a 20-goal season doesn’t seem an impossible accomplishment at this time.

 “Definitely I’m setting my sights on that now. I’m enjoying my football now and the team is playing well around me and I am also settling into the overall style we have here which has been a major part of my form now. I think once you have a team that is willing to work beyond its ability at times and go the extra mile then you’re always going to end up with a chance of doing big things. Our ambition is to go up and once we can keep our focus and remain consistent then we can definitely have a shot at it,” added John who was taken off after delivering the “gifts” on 83 minutes.

 Looking back on Saturday’s performance, he noted : “You should definitely see the third goal. It was a volley on the drop and I think it’s one of my better goals for some time in England.”

 Southampton are currently tenth on the Championship table with 30 points, nine off leaders Watford.