Southampton fullback Romain Perraud proud of first double of career

Southampton fullback Romain Perraud was delighted to score the first brace of his career in their FA Cup win against Blackpool.

Charlie Patino reduced the deficit midway through the second half, setting up a frantic finish as the Seasiders threw caution to the wind late on, but Saints prevailed to win their sixth cup tie of the season.

“It's my first time, so I'm very happy to score twice in a game, especially for this club," Perraud said of his double.

“We know it's never easy to play against this type of team. They are here with nothing to lose, so it's important to win this type of game.

“The gaffer gave me the chance to play, so in my head it was just, 'enjoy the football and play like I did before,' and after that the gaffer will make his choice.

“For me, my first thing when I am on the pitch is just to give everything and give my best."

Perraud's first goal came directly from a free-kick – a rare opportunity in the absence of set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse.

“We had a little discussion with Mislav and he told me, 'take the free-kick and try to put the ball on the goalkeeper's side,'" he revealed.