Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has praised QPR chairman Tony Fernandes for the way he's handled the speculation swirling around Mark Hughes.

Le Tissier says Saints chairman Nico Cortese could take a leaf out of Fernandes' book and publicly support Nigel Adkins.

He told the Daily Star: "The way Fernandes has backed Mark Hughes has been a breath of fresh air.

"It wouldn't do Cortese's reputation any harm if he did come out and do that (back ­Adkins publicly).

"If that's what he believes and he comes out and backs his ­manager, says what a fantastic job he has done and he deserves a fair crack at it, I think the ­majority of Southampton fans would be pleased to hear that."