text: Southampton striker Graziano Pelle insists his confidence hasn't been destroyed despite no scoring in the Premier League since December 20. The 29-year-old, who netted against England for Italy in the 1-1 international friendly on Tuesday, is now hoping to return to the form that saw him plunder eight goals in his first 17 league games. The former Feyenoord star has thanked Saints fans for continuing to support him through his lean spell, while manager Ronald Koeman has backed Pelle to go on a run during the final eight games of the campaign. Graziano Pelle remains confident despite not scoring in his last 13 Premier League games . The Italy striker celebrates after netting the opener in Tuesday's 1-1 friendly draw with England . 'I was happy to play in a nice stadium it's a great team to play against. I like those games. I was happy, especially because I scored,' he told Southampton's official website. 'For Southampton I got the chances, but I didn't profit about it. I'm not a person who thinks negative. I have a great job and all I can do is work more and more when something is going wrong. 'That way I can achieve what I want to do. When you perform well the goals can come. It's not only about scoring the goal, I want to do well for the team in general. Pelle last scored in the Premier League during Southampton's 3-0 defeat of Everton on December 20 . 'I'm really happy for the support they give me. I said I have to try and bring the supporters to my side when I joined, in the beginning not many people knew me. 'I did well and then everyone was behind me. Then it has gone a bit wrong and some people can think he's not good enough, but the stadium every time they make me feel good. 'I have to say thanks to them, I want to do my job as good as possible. I'm double happy if I score but I just want to think about the future, we have eight games left.'
target: Graziano Pelle hasn't scored in the Premier League since December 20 .
  Italy striker did find the net against England in recent international friendly .
  The 29-year-old has thanked Saints fans for supporting him in lean spell .