Southampton's Sam Edozie on his return from injury and 'bouncing back'

Southampton fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ashton Gate on Tuesday, and now they must take on West Brom on Friday evening.

Carlos Corberán's Baggies have only lost two Championship games at the Hawthorns this season - their last defeat coming back in December against Leicester.

Asked by the Daily Echo how the squad are feeling ahead of a trip to the Black Country, Edozie insisted the squad are feeling good despite their disappointment.

“We are all obviously disappointed, but we are also proud of each other. We made a bit of history, now it’s about bouncing back in the next game.

“We are confident in ourselves and our ability. We have a strong group - I believe that we will bounce back on Friday.

“I personally don’t think we played poorly against Bristol City, but we are going to carry on doing what we have been doing. Hopefully, we can get the result.”

Tuesday's defeat at Bristol City marked Edozie's first start since returning from injury.

Sam Edozie celebrates his goal against Huddersfield (Image: PA)

The England youth international had previously made two substitute appearances having been ruled out since New Year's Day.

In those cameos, Edozie struck the post against Watford before scoring Southampton's fifth against Huddersfield.

“It’s been nice to be back and getting minutes back in the legs. Hopefully, I can just keep going from here," the winger continued.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work with the guys to make sure that I was still fit and doing my work.

"When I came back, I hadn’t lost too much. It was disappointing how my injury came about.

"But this is football, there will be injuries in the game. I understand that - I am ready for the next games.”

Edozie's injury was a chance for him to work on aspects of his game he would not get the chance to do if he was fit.

He has also stayed behind at training to work with Saints assistant coach Matt Gill on things that were preventing him from playing a full 90 minutes.

Asked what he has worked on with Gill, Edozie explained: “It’s been on the final third, the final pass, my finishing, staying calm in front of goal.

“But it has also been about the runs I make in behind - adding different parts into my game to make me more unpredictable.”

The former Manchester City youngster has scored six goals this season, a clear sign his extra training has worked.

“Goals are always something I can add to my game," he added. "I can add more - hopefully, I can do that.

“The team is built on making runs in behind to try and make space for others. It all works part and parcel.

“Having that belief in me as a young player can be a bit difficult for a manager. They have believed in me and given me chances.

“It definitely helps to have a young group because we are all on the same journey.

"We have also got older players in the group who can give advice and put an arm around your shoulder."