Shane Long believes Southampton have what it takes to challenge for the FA Cup and a place in the Premier League League's top four this season.
The Saints have enjoyed a superb campaign so far, with a summer exodus and talk of relegation being replaced by a belief in achieving Champions League qualification.
Sunday's 1-0 win at Manchester United -- as well as beating Arsenal and drawing with Chelsea in recent weeks -- has proved that Ronald Koeman's side are genuine top-four contenders, while another victory by the same scoreline at Portman Road against Ipswich on Wednesday ensured they are still challenging for the FA Cup.
Southampton set up a fourth-round tie at home to Crystal Palace after emerging victorious from their third-round replay against the Championship promotion hopefuls.
Long's impressive first-half strike was the difference and keeps alive the club's hopes of a trip to Wembley.
"It's only the early stages in the FA Cup now, but I think we've got a good enough squad to push for that,'' he said. "I suppose the first thing is the league, but it would be nice to get some silverware as well.
"The gaffer gave a few lads on the fringe of the first team a chance and I felt they came in and did brilliantly. Young Matty Targett on the left and Harry [Reed] in midfield were exceptional, and I think it was a chance for them to show the gaffer if he needs them they're ready to step up.
"It's nice for the lads to get a go in such a good cup as well. Hopefully they can kick on from here. I think it's important lads get a run out, 90 minutes here and there, and it's only good for the squad.''
Long hopes his performance against Ipswich gives Koeman "a little bit of food for thought" if he needs a different option to striker Graziano Pelle.
The Republic of Ireland international proved a nuisance throughout and took the winning goal well, striking first time after James Ward-Prowse was tackled.
"It was just more instinct, and sometimes they're the easiest finishes when it just drops to you and you've no time to think about it,'' Long said. "It was nice to see it hit the back of the net and it took a bit of pressure off us and let us kind of control the game a bit more.
"It would have been nice to get the second to see the game off, but still it shows good determination from the squad to see the game out.''