Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that Sadio Mane's contributions have been key in the side's push for Champions League qualification.

Mane has scored four goals in his previous five games for the Saints, and Koeman believes that the timing of the forward's strikes are crucial.

"After a good start, he had some difficulties but before he was injured and went to the Africa Cup of Nations he was doing well," the Southampton boss told reporters.

"He was scoring important goals - not the third or the fourth but the first goal. It's good to have that kind of player.

"He scored against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Arsenal, and he came back with a lot of spirit and a lot of freshness."

Koeman's side take on West Ham United on Wednesday night.