Southampton know what must happen to beat Celtic and Rangers to Callum O'Hare: View | OneFootball

Despite two defeats on the bounce in late February to Hull City and Millwall, Southampton still find themselves in the thick of the battle for an automatic promotion spot following a dramatic win over Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon.

Joe Aribo's 96th minute winner as the Saints defeated the Blues 4-3 at St Andrew's demonstrates that Russell Martin's side have the sort of fight and desire that is necessary for a side with Premier League aspirations.

The Saints are brimming with quality all over the pitch, from the ever reliable Gavin Bazunu between the sticks, to the prolific Adam Armstrong who is in the run-in for the Championship golden boot.

But there is room for improvement in any team, and Coventry City's star play-maker Callum O'Hare would further bolster the Saints' already menacing attack if Martin and co decided to sign him up.

The Hampshire outfit have been credited with interest in O'Hare, but will have to fend off Premier League sides Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham, while Scottish Premiership giants Celtic and Rangers are also reportedly tracking the ace's progress.

Southampton must earn promotion in order to sign O'Hare

Due to O'Hare's impressive performances in the Championship, it is clear to see why the Saints are keen to secure his services, especially given that his current contract at the Sky Blues expires this summer.

Furthermore, in January, the Coventry Telegraph revealed that O'Hare has been offered fresh terms at the CBS Arena, but the midfielder was unsure of the status of contract talks.

There is a genuine prospect that the 25-year-old will be a free agent this summer, which is an ideal situation for the Saints, who will be keen to sign such a gifted player without having to pay a transfer fee.

O'Hare could opt to stay at the Sky Blues if they earn promotion

While the Saints are in a battle for automatic promotion, the Sky Blues are still firmly in the play-off picture, and it is possible that the creative ace spearheads Mark Robins' side all the way to the Premier League.

Recent defeats to fellow top-six chasers West Brom and Preston have undoubtedly been damaging to the Sky Blues' play-off hunt, but Robins' men are capable of bouncing back.

If the Sky Blues are able to rediscover their form, then O'Hare's exploits are certain to hold the key as the ace has scored six goals and created three assists in the second tier so far this season, despite only playing his first full 90 minutes of the season in December following a long-term ACL injury.

In February, O'Hare scored three goals and created three assists in the Championship, and if he continues to be so clinical into March and beyond, then he is capable of guiding his side into a top-six spot come the end of the season.

The Sky Blues' experience of reaching last season's play-off final could help them in the run-in this season, so there is a possibility that O'Hare could be a Premier League player with his current club next season.

However, O'Hare's performances make it obvious as to why potential suitors such as the Saints are so keen on the ace, and if Martin's side achieve promotion, but the Sky Blues remain in the Championship, then perhaps we could see O'Hare running out at St Mary's next season.