Defender Zach Abbott says he is staying "patient and ready" at Southampton while he waits for his chance for a run in the side.

The 20-year-old centre-back has played twice for Saints in the Championship since joining on loan from Nottingham Forest in September.

He has been on Southampton's bench for eight matches and before last weekend only had one 45 minute spell of game-time since the move.

"No one's happy when they don't play as many minutes," Abbott told BBC Radio Solent.

"I think what it's really taught me is staying patient around a top group and making sure that I'm ready every single day.

"That's what the lads have been speaking to me about, it's a really good group and people give me advice every single day.

"It's not about now looking backwards at the fact that I've not played as many minutes, now I've had my opportunity I want to impress and go forward."

Abbott was called into action during Saturday's defeat by Preston after Keven Schlotterbeck was forced off with injury early on.

Boss Tonda Eckert confirmed afterwards that the German defender had dislocated his shoulder and was likely to miss some upcoming games, potentially presenting a chance for Abbott after the international break.

Southampton are seventh in the Championship table and five points off the automatic places after 15 matches.

"The facilities, the lads, the staff around, the manager, it's top here," Abbott added.

"There's a real mentality to go and win the league, I've really enjoyed it so far but obviously, as probably everyone can see, I want to play minutes and want to get on the pitch more.

"I wanted to contribute more to the team and hopefully I can do that more going forward, I just need to make sure that I'm putting in the performances so that I give the team the best chance to go and get three points every single week."