Southampton stars urged to 'step up' in Virgil van Dijk's absence by Steven Davis: 'It's important we move on'

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Southampton skipper Steven Davis has told his team-mates to step up in the wake of losing Virgil van Dijk and show why they are still fighting for Mauricio Pellegrino.

The Saints secured their first win in 10 games against Fulham in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, handing under-pressure manager Pellegrino some breathing space.

There were songs aimed at the Argentine from the away supporters at Craven Cottage and Davis has urged the squad to come together after Van Dijk’s £75million move to Liverpool.

Southampton captain Steven Davis says the club must move on following Virgil van Dijk's exit

The win over Fulham was their first for 10 games and relieved pressure on Mauricio Pellegrino

‘It was a difficult situation for Virgil because players' heads are going to be turned when they hear certain moves are coming up,’ Davis said. ‘To be fair to him, once the window closed I thought he got his head down and worked hard.

‘People forgot he was out for six months prior to that as well. He's obviously got his move, now it's important we move on. He was a good player for us, but we've got other players that now need to step up.

‘We’re not in a good position, not happy with the first half of the season and the results we've had. We've got to be honest with that assessment.

‘We should be doing better but we need to go and show that week in, week out on the pitch so hopefully this is the first step in the right direction. It’s important that we all stick together.’ 

Van Dijk sealed a long-awaited £75m move to Liverpool after six months of personal turmoil