Adam Hammill is aiming to prove himself south of the border with Saints this season.

The 19-year-old from Liverpool was a huge success during a five-month loan spell with Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline last season, helping them to the Scottish Cup final where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Celtic.

Even with ex-Saints boss Gordon Strachan reportedly interested in taking him this season, the lure of Saints and a chance to prove himself in England was too much.

Hammill, therefore, has joined George Burley's squad on a season long loan deal.

He said: "A lot of people looked at the Scottish league and felt it wasn't tough, but it's very tough physically, like the Championship.

"I have proved my point in Scotland and now I'm back in England I want to do the same.

"I see players in the England youth squad like Giles Barnes and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.

"I kept my head down and myself and my agent agreed Southampton was the best place for me.

"I knew there was quite a few clubs watching me but Southampton came forward and I fancied it having seen how Danny Guthrie and Darren Potter before him did. I was keen to follow them down".

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.