Shea Charles makes clear what Southampton ‘must show’ against in-form Middlesbrough

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Southampton host Championship table-toppers Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints head into the visit of Middlesbrough with a sense of renewed optimism after a hearty performance against the Premier League champions.

Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 in the Carabao Cup third round clash, which saw Alexander Isak open his account for the Reds before Saints ace Shea Charles equalised.

Unfortunately for Will Still, his former Reims forward Hugo Ekitike scored the winner for Liverpool, but solace was taken from the Saints’ performance.

It is out of the frying pan and into the fire for Southampton, with the visit of Championship high-flyers Boro this weekend, but Charles “can’t wait” for the clash.

• READ MORE: Southampton boss Will Still reveals what Liverpool ace Hugo Ekitike told him before clash

Shea Charles wants Southampton to ‘show how good’ they are against Middlesbrough

Charles notched his first goal in a Southampton jersey at Anfield with a close-range strike, but the £79m Frenchman spoiled his party.

Buoyed by their performance against Liverpool, Charles is looking forward to what will inevitably be another stern test against second tier league-leaders Middlesbrough.

EFL Analysis exclusively revealed recently that Southampton chiefs will remain patient with Still, but regardless, he and Charles will be desperate to end the Saints’ seven-game winless run.

As Charles himself believes, what better game to ignite their resurgence than against Rob Edwards’ side?

After the Liverpool defeat, he told the Southern Daily Echo: “I thought the first half was very good and then conceding at the time we did, after missing a good chance, was disappointing.

“As a collective, we reacted well and got our deserved goal, but then it was disappointing to concede near the end. Yes, it’s a rotated Liverpool side.

“But the quality on that pitch is still incredible, and we made changes too. It’s never easy when you’re playing with a completely new team.

“And it’s always a weird time to come on, straight after half-time. I thought I settled into the game well, and I finally got my first goal for Saints.

“I am buzzing with that. I can’t wait for Saturday’s game now, and there is no better game than what we have to show how good we are.”

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Shea Charles will need to be at his best again against Middlesbrough

Still left Charles out of the Southampton starting XI for the Liverpool clash, but his impressive second-half cameo off the bench should see him returning to the side on Saturday from minute one.

Charles proved himself capable against top flight opposition, making key contributions in all three thirds of the Anfield pitch on Tuesday.

Evidently, he will have to be at his dynamic best once again this weekend to contend with Middlesbrough’s magnificent midfield, given that Premier League-wanted Hayden Hackney is arguably the best central midfielder in the Championship currently.

Charles will hope his strike at Anfield will be the first of many for the Northern Ireland international, and his impetus in both attack and defence will be imperative to helping the Saints earn a hard-fought result against in-form Boro.