Southampton defender Jack Stephens hailed their mental strength for victory at Swansea City.

Manolo Gabbiadini's scrambled finished midway through the second half from the substitute's bench all but secured safety to reward a “grinding" performance from Mark Hughes's men.

“It was a real grind tonight, you could see just how desperate both sides were for the points," the returning Stephens said from Liberty Stadium.

“Moments of quality were few and far between which is to be expected in a game of this importance; it was all about digging in and waiting for the opportunity.

"They were sharper than us in the first half, maybe because of nerves, I don't know. We stuck at it, we got the goal and we are now nearly there."

Stephens praised match-winner Gabbiadini who was mobbed by his teammates in the away dressing room.

“We are absolutely delighted for Gabbi. He's had a difficult season like many of us, plenty of ups and downs but to come on tonight – like he did at Burnley – and to score such an important goal is fantastic."