SAINTS forward Adam Armstrong insists he is happy to play anywhere for the manager but targets making the central striker role his own.

The 26 year old netted his first of pre-season and under new boss Russell Martin during Saturday’s 4-2 win over League One outfit Reading.

Armstrong – who scored 28 goals for Blackburn Rovers the last time he played in the Championship – was playing as a true number nine in Berkshire.

This followed him operating as a 10 during the friendly versus Goztepe in Turkey a week prior, after which Martin compared him to one of his Swansea City players.

READ MORE: Martin admits young forward has been 'beautiful surprise'

Martin said that, similarly to Joel Piroe, he could play him almost anywhere in the attacking third. Armstrong agrees but wants to play through the middle.

Daily Echo: Southampton's Adam Armstrong (right) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton. Picture date: Tuesday August 30, 2022.

“I can play in different positions but I want to be down the middle because that’s where I feel most comfortable,” he told the Daily Echo.

“But I’m also comfortable dropping in so I’ll do a shift wherever the gaffer wants me to play, the Championship is a long hard slog so hopefully we will keep everyone fit and be at the top at the end of the season.”

Armstrong continued: “It’s been good, the gaffer has been excellent since he came in – the lads are thriving off the way he wants to play.

“On and off the ball you have to work your socks off, that’s something he demands, but when you’re on the ball you let the ball do the talking – it’s been very good.

“After the gaffer came in, he and his staff have been excellent from the get-go really and it’s just trying to implement his style into a group of lads.

“There’s nothing more exciting than constantly being on the ball and that’s what every footballer wants. Hopefully this season we can put on some exciting performances and really push.”

Armstrong endured a difficult two years in the Premier League, following an August 2021 move to St Mary’s for a fee of around £15million.

Acquired to replace the goalscoring proficiency of former England international Danny Ings, Armstrong took the nine shirt but only bagged four in 53 league appearances.

When reminded that he netted 28 in his last Championship season, Armstrong was cautious to suggest he could do something similar again – this time in Saints colours.

“You could say that but every season is a new season and you’re always demanding to get more from yourself and the team,” he responded.

“We are aiming to get promoted this season and if I can score a lot of goals to help with that I will be very happy.”

Armstrong is likely to feature again against Premier League AFC Bournemouth when they visit St Mary’s on Tuesday, before the final pre-season fixture versus AZ Alkmaar on Saturday.

“I’ve just said it before that it’s always nice to score goals but the more important thing is the performance from the lads at Reading,” Armstrong added.

“I thought the first half was very good and we obviously conceded two sloppy goals but it’s pre-season and if we can cut out those mistakes we’ll be a threat this season.

“In pre-season games, it is always nice to win but the main thing is the performance, if we can keep putting on performances like that I’m sure the season will be very good.”