Jason Puncheon believes Southampton deserve their spot in the Premier League after securing safety with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Sunday.
The winger struck for Mauricio Pochettino's side to secure a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, which guarantees their survival by virtue of the fact Wigan and Aston Villa face each other on the last day of the season.
"It's a massive feeling knowing that it's more or less there," Puncheon told The Daily Echo.
"For the season we've had and the way we've gone about it it's even better, because we deserve it, as a group of players and as a football club.
"It was obviously important for us. We wanted to win the game and we've tried to set up to do that. When you go 1-0 down at Sunderland you know they're fighting for their lives.
"But we knew that we couldn't lose the game at that point and it was important for us to get a goal back to draw it, if not win it.
"I'm not the best of headers and I had too much time, but as I've headed it and he's (Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet) saved it I've followed the rebound and got there again.
"He was having a good day, but it was important we got it behind him in the end."
Southampton host Stoke City at the St. Mary's Stadium on the last day of the season, and Puncheon is hoping to get the three points for the fans.
"It's the last home game, we want to give the fans something to cheer for and let's go out as high as we can and show people why we should be as high up the Premier League as we possibly can," the 26-year-old said.
"It was a tough start for us (this season). We've learnt our lessons and we've grown as a football team and a football club, and that's shown. That's why this was important for us to obviously get the points on board."
