Southampton are in and around the top half of the table and their fans here in the Transfer Tavern are optimistic they can keep pace as 2017 kicks on.

Claude Puel has done a decent job since joining the club in the summer and he seems to have settled things down at St Mary’s as his side look to push for the top six come the end of the season.

The Saints have been ticking over nicely over the past couple of weeks but a few big results will be needed in their upcoming fixtures if they are to keep pace with the sides in the top eight.

They’ve got every chance of being there come the end of the campaign but the key to their success will be beating teams around them.

But, luckily for their French manager, he’s got a big squad available and with the transfer window now upon us, he’ll have the chance to add to his squad as well.

However, here in the pub there are a few Saints fans who believe there are a couple of names on the fringes of the squad who should be getting more game-time.

So with that in mind, here are 2 Southampton players who need to ask Puel for more minutes on the pitch…

Sofiane Boufal

Sofiane Boufal was the Morrocan youngster that really set Ligue 1 on fire last season but since moving to the south coast over the summer, he’s struggled to really cement his place in the side.

His talent and potential is absolutely undoubted but there’s some real competition in this Southampton squad and it’s not going to be easy for the former Lille man to break in right away.

But with hard-work, conviction and a little luck, Boufal will get there.

Jordy Clasie

Jordy Clasie was once tipped to be one of the brightest young Dutch midfielders of his generation and after a transfer to Southampton last season, he’s found game-time a little harder to come by under Claude Puel.

With Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse really settling in the heart of the midfield and the ever-impressive Steve Davis always on hand, it’s a real battle to get into the first-team week-after-week.

But he’s a quality player who needs to bide his time because he’s good enough to make a difference in this current side.

Agree, Saints fans? Let us know below!