Parkinson 'outstanding' at Wrexham - Eckert

[Getty Images] Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has praised "outstanding" Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson before their Championship tie in Wales on Tuesday night (20:00 BST). While Wrexham's Hollywood ownership and big spending often takes the limelight, the German believes the buck stops with Parkinson when it comes to the Welsh side's success. "I think he's doing an outstanding job," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"It does come down to the manager to put those pieces together and it's a very tough place to go to. "It's so clear what they do, it's a very clear identity, a very clear style of playing and not an easy one to come up against. " The two sides are both pursuing a place in the play-offs, with the Saints aiming to leapfrog the Red Dragons into sixth spot.

Southampton will have momentum in their favour following a four-match winning run that includes victories over Championship leaders Coventry City and an FA Cup upset against Premier League leaders Arsenal. But Eckert believes there are limits to what the side can draw from such big wins. "The games have nothing to do with each other," Eckert added.

"What you can take is the confidence to win games but that's it. "I think the game and the way it unfolds has nothing to with Coventry because it's a completely different set-up. " Latest Southampton news and analysis Listen to Southampton content on BBC Sounds