Targett revelling in his new role

The 20-year-old has started in that position during the last three Premier League games, all of which Saints have won without conceding a goal.

As well as helping the side concede just two shots on target over the course of the matches against Watford, West Brom and Manchester United, Targett has also offered a notable attacking threat down the left, laying on the opener for Shane Long in the 2-0 win against the Hornets that kick-started this run.

"I've enjoyed it,” Targett told youtube.com/southamptonfc. “Obviously, coming back into the team it's brought like a new life into me, changing to left wing-back has given me the licence to get forward more and provide crosses and an attacking threat.”

Targett added: “Attacking-wise it's a lot better for me. Defending-wise, I don't think you do as much defending as what you would as a left-back, so I think it's good.

“That assist against Watford gave me a boost of confidence and I've just taken each game as it comes and hopefully carry on with my form.

"Last year it was quite difficult to come into the side. The team was doing so well, so it was more difficult and more pressure to play well, whereas this year I know the players more, I've got to know them better and training with them each day.

“I moved into the first-team dressing room this year, so it's important that when I go on the pitch I feel a part of it and play with as much confidence as I can.”

Targett also gave credit to Ryan Bertrand, who has been playing on the left side of a back three recently, for helping him improve.

“He's helped me a lot,” he said. “He's always talking to me on the pitch and that helps me. It's important to have someone like Ryan behind me and giving me the experience of helping me through the game.”

With Saints having been so solid in recent weeks, Targett added that the side are particularly proud of their defensive record.

"It's important that us as defenders keep clean sheets, because we know we've got the attacking players to score goals,” he said.

"I think paying with five at the back now gives a lot more defensive cover for each player. It's hard for teams to break us down. I think it's two shots on target [in the last three games], so I think we're defending well as a team and we've got the attacking threat too. It's good.

"Last season we kept so many clean sheets and that's why we had such a successful season last season.”