PREMIER League icon Alan Shearer backed fellow Geordie Adam Armstrong to get among the goals during his time at Saints.

Armstrong has represented Shearer’s former clubs in reverse, having started his career at Newcastle before going on to play for Blackburn and seal a £15million move to St Mary’s in the summer.

He got off to a flying start on his first appearance for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, netting against Everton on the opening day of the campaign before six league games without a goal saw him left out against Leeds on Saturday.

But Shearer, the Premier League’s record scorer with 260 strikes, believes Armstrong has a lot to offer at the club where he began his career.

Asked by the Daily Echo how he saw Saints shaping up this campaign, the legendary frontman said: “They had a tough start.

“It was harsh in terms of the timing of losing Danny Ings and the way they did. I was pleased to see them go and invest in Adam Armstrong and giving him a chance.

“He got off to a great start when he scored (against Everton). He could have and should have scored against Manchester United, if I remember rightly.

“They left him out at the weekend, Che Adams was injured and they played the young boy (Armando) Broja on loan from Chelsea. He scored as well.

“I think they will do all right, I think it will be tough at times for them re goals. They don’t create that many chances, but I think they will be all right this season. I think they will do well.”

Quizzed further on Armstrong’s omission, Shearer, who scored 24 goals in 96 senior games at Saints, replied: “I don’t necessarily see it as a bad thing to be left out.

“He will and I would have as well (as a player) I wouldn’t have liked it.

“But you look back, you evaluate and you say ‘I’ll work that little bit harder to get in next time’. Competition for places is not a bad thing.

“He wouldn’t have liked being left out but he will be back, he will score goals – I’m sure of it and he’s a great character. He has to be, he’s a Geordie, isn’t he?!”

Shearer congratulated the Saints frontman via social media, when he arrived on the south coast back in August.

And the 51-year-old revealed he also had a closer connection with Armstrong through an old pal.

“Rob Lee, who used to be at Newcastle with me, we are best friends from Newcastle,” said Shearer.

“Rob’s son Elliot – they are best friends now, so we sort of link in through that as well.

“He’s a good character, some good background and a good family.

“I really, really hope he does well here (at Saints) and of course in the Premier League.”