JAMES Ward-Prowse has urged Saints to recover from the hangover of last season’s relegation battle and learn how to impose themselves from the beginning of games.

In their opening two league matches, Saints have struggled to make an early impact, only really making an impression in the second-half.

Ward-Prowse believes that might be down to the knock in belief they took last term, as they battled for survival in the Premier League, but insists there is no reason to worry.

“Possibly, yeah. But I mean we have to put that behind us and behind us quickly because we don’t want to find ourselves in the same situation as last year,” he said.

“So, it’s a mentality thing. I think we just need to adopt that same energy we had in both the second halves and push on.

“But we’re only two games in, there’s no need to worry about the team like that.”

Ward-Prowse reckons Saints will be back to their ‘old ways’ once they channel the belief they did find when they finally sealed survival late last term.

“Last year gave us a lot of belief towards the end, brought back that confidence,” he added.

“Obviously you transfer that into the start of the games and we’ll be back to our old ways.”

On Saturday against Everton, Saints went in at the break 2-0 down at Goodison Park but fought back in the second period, although still lost 2-1 after Danny Ings’ full debut goal gave Mark Hughes’ men a foothold soon after the interval.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who made his first start of the season at the Toffees, admits Saints gave themselves “a mountain to climb”.

“I think maybe it’s just a mentality thing. We’re well prepared, it’s just a case of making sure that we start games brighter and give ourselves a platform to kick on in the game.

“Because I think in the second half it was more of an equal game and maybe we could have nicked a point, but the start did give us a mountain to climb and that cost us today.”

Ward-Prowse was linked with a move away in the summer transfer window but he admits leaving wasn’t his priority because he’s recently become a father.

“I mean, those things are obviously flying about, but I’ve got a little eight-week old baby to look after and to nourish,” he said.

“So, that was my main concern and that was main priority during the summer.

“Those sort of things I just leave to happen - if it does, it does. I was just focus on making sure my family was alright, and he’s healthy and doing well.”

Having baby Oscar has changed his outlook.

“It gives you a different perception on things,” he said.

“It’s always nice to look forward to going back to him now and spending some family time, so it definitely put a different perspective on things.

“Football is all I have ever known, but obviously you’ve got another important thing to sort out in your life and I am enjoying it and embracing it.”