JAMES Ward-Prowse is prepared to go into battle when Saints head to Burnley tomorrow (8pm) – and said the game would be “ideal” for his side to have.

Saints are winless in seven attempts against the Clarets since 2016, and have not won at Turf Moor since 2007.

Midfielder Ward-Prowse admitted facing the Lancashire outfit away from home provided a “tough place to go” but is eager for Saints to show their fighting capabilities.

He told the Daily Echo: “Everybody knows the way that Burnley play – it’s a tough place to go but these are the games, I think, that are ideal for us at the moment.

“You are not just going to be handed a victory on a plate, you’ve got to compete, you’ve got to battle.

“I think if we can show that side of the game, our quality will come through.”

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are still searching for their first victory of the season after defeats to Crystal Palace, Brentford and Tottenham.

Saints were however lifted by the return of midfielder Stuart Armstrong against Spurs last Sunday.

The Scotland star played 68 minutes against Jose Mourinho’s side after recovering from a quad injury picked up while on international duty.

“It’s great to have Stu back in,” added Ward Prowse.

“He brings a lot of quality to the team, a lot of energy and hopefully he can stay fit and have a good run in the team now.”