SAINTS legend Franny Benali has welcomed an early south coast derby against Portsmouth in the Championship this season.

Southampton will host rivals Portsmouth at St Mary's on Saturday, September 13, in what will be the first league meeting between the two sides since 2012.

Some supporters fear Saints, who have appointed Will Still as their new manager and could experience a churn of players, won't be ready to face Pompey by gameweek five.

However, Benali is not worried about the prospect of a slow start under the new boss and insisted the game cannot come soon enough.

"I'm super pumped for the game, and from my perspective, I welcome the early game. The game can't come quickly enough for me," Benali told the Daily Echo.

"This is the first of two huge derby games that we will have next season. I couldn't have cared when it came in the calendar.

Franny Benali scored just once in his Saints career.Franny Benali scored just once in his Saints career. "I can understand some people's reasoning for playing it a little bit later in the season, but I'm sure Will Still will have all the boys drilled by that stage anyway.

"I don't have any concerns from that perspective. We have an exciting start to the season with games against Wrexham and Ipswich as well.

"A positive winning start is going to be crucial for us in so many ways. It will build momentum for our season moving forward.

"It's a big season for Will, and everyone will be wanting to bounce back to the Premier League and beat Portsmouth. A positive start was always going to be a top priority.

"The way the fixtures have come out adds spice to our preparations. I can't wait for all of the games to come along."

Southampton host Pompey straight after the first international break of the Championship campaign, potentially muddying Still's preparations.

While the Belgian-born English coach will get extra time to work closely with the bulk of his squad, his most important players will likely be away on international duty.

"From the moment the full-time whistle blows at Watford, the only thing everyone will be thinking about is the game against Portsmouth," Benali continued.

"We know how fast, furious and relentless the Championship is with games. That international break will take some of our players away.

"The coaching staff will be keeping an eye on the players who do go away with their country, hoping they don't pick up an injury.

"But the blinkers will be put on at the training ground, and the only thing the players should be thinking about at that stage is the game against Portsmouth."

Despite making over 350 appearances for Southampton, Benali never played against Portsmouth in the red and white of Saints.

His only senior appearance against them came during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest, who won 2-0 at Fratton Park.