JACK Stephens believes Saints have acquired a “fantastic finisher” in frontman Adam Armstrong – having previously seen him get among the goals first hand more than five years ago.

The pair previously played together at Coventry City during the 2015-16 campaign, while both on loan from Saints and Newcastle respectively.

Also featuring in the same squad as the likes of Joe Cole, John Fleck and James Maddison – Armstrong scored 20 goals in League One to become the club’s top scorer for the season under Tony Mowbray.

He was also named in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

Stephens signed for the Sky Blues for the second half of that campaign and made 16 league appearances in total for Coventry.

But speaking after Saints’ 3-1 defeat to Everton - in which Armstrong opened his account for the south coast side after signing from Blackburn last week - Stephens was looking forward to having the striker on board.

Asked about linking back up with Armstrong by the Daily Echo, the Saints defender said: “The season at Coventry, I think he scored 20-plus league goals that season and I think he’s scored nearly that every year since.

“He’s a fantastic finisher and he makes chances for himself as well, so I think we have got a cracking player there.

“I have known him for four or five years, so I have tried to help him settle in. He’s an easy lad to get on with, so he’s settled in really well.

“It obviously helps when you come in firing and you score on your debut, so no problems from that point of view.”

Armstrong’s first goal in Saints colours came when Che Adams pressurised Everton’s Michael Keane into a mistake at Goodison Park.

That allowed Saints’ new signing the chance to run in on goal and apply a classy top-corner finish past England keeper Jordan Pickford.

And despite being bitterly disappointed with the result overall, Stephens was pleased to see Armstrong make an instant impact.

“Last week since he’s come in he’s been really good, looked really sharp and I thought he was excellent on Saturday. Him and Che together, I thought they worked really well,” the centre-back added.

“It was a fantastic finish and great work from Che to get him in that position. He took his goal really well.

“He’s been a great addition for us and hopefully he will score many more for us.”