Edozie makes hard work claim after back-to-back goals for Southampton

Having started the first seven games this season, the 20 year old has mainly been restricted to substitute appearances in the 15 games that have followed.

His last start before Saturday's 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers came back in October when he was named in the starting XI at Preston North End.

Asked by the Daily Echo how he's felt waiting for his next opportunity, Edozie admitted it has been frustrating. 

He said: "As a player, all you want to do is play as much as possible. It can get frustrating at times. You just have to believe in yourself and continue working hard in training.

"That's what I've been doing. I've waited for my chance so I made sure that I took it. You have to believe in yourself and know your time will come.

"If I keep working hard I'll be ready to take my chance when it comes. If I was to stop working hard and be thrown into the team I wouldn't be able to perform."

Edozie's reduced minutes have come during Saints' 14-game unbeaten run. The England youth international remained as an unused substitute in seven of those games.

He has had to remain patient as the now-injured Kamaldeen Sulemana and loanee Ryan Fraser have been ahead of him in the pecking order. 

"You have to go into training and give your all - that's what the manager wants," he continued when asked what he does to stand out in training.

"I try to go into training with a smile on my face. I go into training sessions with everything. I try to uplift my teammates as well. I don't want to be coming in with a frown on my face.

"I want to be a happy person because that feeds onto my teammates. If they are doing well then I'm doing well."

It was Edozie's goal that unlocked Southampton's free-scoring streak against Blackburn on the weekend.

The goal was his second in as many games having notched an important equaliser from the bench against Coventry three days prior.

The former Manchester City prospect is hoping he can continue to add more goal contributions to his game going forward. 

"Goals and assists are always something that I've wanted to have as high as possible in my game. To be on two goals from two games since I've come back into the team is a great feeling."

Southampton's 4-0 win has helped them claw back some distance on the top three team's goal difference.

Russell Martin's side now sit on +8, which remains seven goals behind their nearest rivals Leeds United.

However, Edozie pointed out that Saints will remain focused on themselves during the hunt for promotion.

"We just focus on ourselves really. We try to perfect our game. We know sooner or later those goals are going to come.

"It's a great win. The manager has wanted us to put a few goals past the opponent. To do that today is a really good moment for us and the manager is really happy.

"We've trusted the process and it's finally paid off. Hopefully, we can keep building on that. I'm feeling great."