New Southampton striker Danny Ings says he is relishing the opportunity to work under boss Mark Hughes after completing a move to St Mary’s from Liverpool.
A boyhood Saints fan, Ings followed the latter part of the season closely and saw first-hand the way everyone pulled together under Hughes’s stewardship.
Now, he is looking ahead to a big year and says he will do everything in his power to play his part for a club so close to his heart.
“You could see when the boss came in that it was a transition. The club were fighting and he did a fantastic job to keep the club up. I watched the games and the lads were fantastic and worked as hard as they could to do that.
“You can tell that this year is going to be a big year for us.
“I can’t wait to get started, to play in front of my hometown and do all I can for this club with great success.”
Ings could be in line for a debut against former club Burnley this Sunday, and with five strikers now vying for a starting berth he is hoping his goalscoring qualities can add to that vibrant mix.
“My energy has always been a real strength of mine. Runs in behind, coming short and mixing my game up,” Ings said.
“Playing with some of the players I have done over the last few years has really helped me to develop as a player and hopefully I can bring that to Southampton Football Club.”