Armstrong's message to the fans

The striker, who netted 29 goals for Blackburn last season, felt the excitement from his new supporters at the prospect of becoming a Saint, with plenty of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Now he hopes to repay their warm welcome with his first Premier League goals.

“Thank you for everything – all the messages I’ve received on social media, it’s been unbelievable,” he said.

“I couldn’t respond at the time, when I knew it was getting done, but thanks for everything and hopefully I can repay you on the pitch and score you a few goals.”