Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has paid tribute to the impact of the club's new head coach Mark Hughes.

Hughes was confirmed as Southampton's new manager on March 14, with the Welshman signing a contract at St Mary's until the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

The 54-year-old oversaw Sunday's 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, which set up a semi-final clash against English champions Chelsea.

The Saints still have big problems in the Premier League, however, with a total of 28 points leaving them in 18th position in the table.

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Hojbjerg, who scored his first Southampton goal against Wigan, has hailed Hughes for making an immediate impact at the struggling club.

Hojbjerg told Southampton's official website:

“I think I speak on everyone’s behalf when I say it has been positive. It is a new impulse, new energy, good vibes, a fresh start. He worked a lot on intensity and discipline, and the desire to go the extra yards as individuals and as a team.

“We have some really good players and maybe this is the perfect fit, nothing is perfect in this world but it’s a good start, let me just say that.”

Hughes, who has recently been blasted by outspoken pundit Joey Barton, left his position with Stoke in January following a poor run of results.

Next up for Southampton is a huge game away to fellow strugglers West Ham United in the Premier League on March 31.