GAVIN Bazunu has insisted “I find it easier, the more I’m feeling the pressure” after he became a £multi-million goalkeeper at 20-years-old.

The new Saints stopper signed from Manchester City as the first senior St Mary’s arrival of Sport Republic’s ownership of the club.

Republic of Ireland international, Bazunu, is set to tussle with Alex McCarthy for the number one role in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s XI this season.

So far, the highly-rated youngster has only League One and 10 caps of international experience to his name – after loan spells with Rochdale and Portsmouth.

But despite this, nearly everyone who has commented on the sensation as remarked of his maturity beyond years and world-class potential.

“I actually find it easier, the more I’m feeling the pressure,” says Bazunu, in the Irish Independent.

Daily Echo: Gavin Bazunu penned a five-year deal at Saints (Pic: Southampton FC)Gavin Bazunu penned a five-year deal at Saints (Pic: Southampton FC)

“If my focus is there, I’ve no doubt I’m going to go and prove myself. I was very clear in what I wanted to do (in the summer) and I want to have my destiny in my own hands. I’m absolutely ready.”

Bazunu had the opportunity to stay at the Etihad Stadium and be Pep Guardiola’s back-up shot-stopper, but instead chose a chance at regular minutes.

“I’ve not thought of the tag too much, I don’t really care,” he insisted, asked about the pressure of coming to the south coast as a marquee signing.

“All I’m looking forward to is the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

“You could put any number next to my name and it won’t make me feel any better than the chance to go and play in the Premier League. That’s the main thing for me.”

Manchester City, who also look set to let United States international Zack Steffen leave on loan, have since signed Stefan Ortega to be their new number two.

Ederson, still only 28 and a both four-time Premier League and FA Cup winner, has a monopoly on the goalkeeping shirt for as long as he wants it.

“I had a really good conversation with him (Hasenhuttl), the goalkeeping coach (Andrew Sparkes), and some other people at the club a few weeks back before anything was done,” Bazunu added, explaining his decision.

Daily Echo: Andrew Sparkes (second from left) and the Saints coaching team (Pic: Southampton FC)Andrew Sparkes (second from left) and the Saints coaching team (Pic: Southampton FC)

“That was a big part of me signing for the club, to hear from him and what he thinks I can do was a massive part in that. And also the goalkeeping coach and what his role in the development would be. That’s very important.”

He added: “It was a big decision to move away from Manchester City but I had multiple conversations with Xabi, he was brilliant for me and understood the opportunity that I had.

“He didn’t want to stand in my way which was massive for me and from then I was very clear that I wanted to go out and be playing regular football

“I’ve had two really good years of playing 30/40 games (on loan) and it’s stood to me and I don’t want to go back to a position where I’m going to be limited in the games I can play.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to prove myself and I want to have my destiny in my own hands.”

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