SAINTS defender Jan Bednarek has issued a personal message to say he is “back with a mission” after a surprise early return from his loan at Aston Villa.

The Polish international has been recalled by Nathan Jones and the St Mary’s hierarchy without serving his full season-long loan commitment at Villa Park.

The club statement said Bednarek will add experience and leadership to Jones’s defensive options, after Aston Villa agreed to allow the early recall.

Bednarek, who was pictured smiling in training with Saints on Monday, had made just one start in the Premier League for the Midlands outfit and was hooked at half-time of a heavy defeat.

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The 26-year-old, who claimed he was happy to be joining a “bigger club” when he departed on deadline day in the summer, has now issued a message ahead of his return.

“I’m returning to Southampton, I'm back with a mission: to help in the fight to stay in the Premier League,” he said.

“I focus on the future and I’ll enter the locker room with a lot of positive energy. I believe that together with the new (old) teammates we can do it!

“Thank you to Aston Villa for the last few months where I have learned a lot. I haven't wasted a single day here. We fight on. We never stop. Together as one, we march on!”

Bednarek could make his return appearance for Saints as early as tonight, when they welcome Newcastle United to St Mary’s in the EFL Cup semi-final.

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