CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil is wary of the threat bottom side Southampton pose, sharing how he feels Saints are “not really in relegation form” since appointing Ruben Selles.

O’Neil side visit St Mary’s tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off) in a key clash in the battle for survival.

Saints currently sit at the foot of the Premier League table, nine points below Cherries in 15th.

Cherries are five points above the bottom three, with Saints’ gap to safety the same margin.

Since Selles took charge of Saints, initially on a caretaker basis before being appointed permanent boss, Southampton have taken nine points from 10 Premier League fixtures.

Asked about facing Saints, O’Neil replied: “It'll be a big challenge. They've made big improvements since the new head coach took over.

“They've improved. They're not really in relegation form since he's taken the job.

“I think they have nine points from nine games, so a decent return.

“High energy, front-foot, aggressive, had some good results, fantastic performance at Arsenal and result.

“So, yeah, it's not like we're going to a team that are losing every week and have been rooted to the bottom of the table because they're in terrible form.

“They're putting in some real good performances, picking up some good results.

“So, it'll be a real tough test. If anyone is in any doubt then I can assure them it'll be a really tough game for us on Thursday.”