Eckert in five-star audition

TONDA ECKERT declined to declare his interest in the Southampton manager's job on a full-time basis despite a thumping victory at Charlton - but his side are doing the job application for him.

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The Saints scored all the goals in the first half at The Valley as they made it three straight wins for German coach Eckert since he stepped up from Under-21s duty after Will Still's sacking at the start of this month.

Finn Azaz netted twice for the visitors with Ryan Manning, Caspar Jander and Adam Armstrong also on target.

Asked if he was more ready to go public with whether he wanted to be Still's permanent successor, Eckert claimed his focus was purely on the midweek home assignment against Leicester.