JAN Bednarek insists that former teammates of Danny Ings “won’t be friends” for the 90 minutes against Aston Villa, if the striker wins his race to get fit.

The former Saints man moved to the fellow Premier League rivals Villa for £30million during a summer exodus that saw a handful of the club’s senior players depart.

It could be the first time he returns to St Mary’s this Friday, November 5, as struggling Villa visit the south coast in search of something to end a four-game losing run.

Ings played three full seasons at his boyhood club, including the first on loan from Liverpool, alongside the likes of defender Bednarek.

The polish international said: “It’s always great to see friends on the pitch. For the period of the game, for 90 minutes, we won’t be friends anymore.

“But after the game we will shake hands, have a conversation and will be friends again. I think for us every single game is important, every single game is tough and demanding.”

The departure of Ings, who had just one year left on his Saint contract at the time, sent shockwaves through St Mary’s as the side prepared for a pre-season friendly match with Levante.

However, he may not get an opportunity to return this season after he missed Villa’s 4-1 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.

Manager Dean Smith confirmed that the squad had fresh injury and “Covid-related” concerns, but didn’t name any specifics regarding Ings’ fitness status.