Southampton have announced the appointment of Ivan Juric as the club's new head coach.

The former Roma boss has signed an 18-month deal at St Mary's to replace Russell Martin, who was sacked by the Premier League's bottom side following last weekend's 5-0 defeat by Tottenham. 

Southampton prop up the table on just five points, nine away from safety, and have won only once in the league this season.

The Saints have conceded 36 goals and scored a league-low 11, while averaging just 0.31 points per game in the top flight since their promotion.

In a statement, Southampton said the appointment would provide "the grit and determination" needed to boost their hopes of survival.

Juric told the club's website: "I'm very pleased. I think it's a really big challenge but I'm very optimistic because I saw a team that can do better.

"It's important to immediately be connected with the fans. I want an aggressive team and I think that fans of Southampton will like that."

Juric becomes only the third Croatian to manage in the Premier League after ex-Portsmouth coach Velimir Zajec, and former West Ham and West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic.

The 49-year-old, who also managed Genoa and Torino in Serie A, was in charge of Roma for just 12 games earlier this season, before he was replaced by Claudio Ranieri in November.

He is the second new manager to take charge of a Premier League club this week, after Wolves brought in Vitor Pereira to replace Gary O'Neil.