RALPH Hasenhuttl struck a buoyant tone as his side prepares to welcome Man City to St Mary’s on Sunday.

The former Premier League champions showed what they are capable of on Thursday, beating new title holders Liverpool 4-0 in a demolition job at the Etihad Stadium.

This, coupled with Saints’ awful home record, looks to be a recipe for disaster for Hasenhuttl’s squad but the Austrian isn’t viewing it that way at all.

Asked if he finds Sunday’s task daunting, Hasenhuttl said: “Terrifying, no.

“I have big respect for every team and it is not that surprising that they can sometimes score four if you don't do a good job or give them too much space.

“They can absolutely hurt you like no other team.

“But we played them twice immediately after the Leicester game, so we had the situation of having to face Manchester City after an ominous result – away as well – and we were close to getting something. We lost 2-1.

“So now we are not scared. Respect, yes, for the way they are playing, but with big brave hearts.”