Adams labels Southampton teammate 'clinical on and off the pitch'

Armstrong is the club's leading scorer and his 28 goal contributions (18 goals, 11 assists) are the highest in England's top three divisions.

The 27 year old is also set to add to his family unit after becoming a father for the first time to baby boy Axel in late 2022. 

Wife and long-term partner Rebecca is expecting again, Adams said, as he talked about the similarity between the pair's path in their career.

The duo have become integral to Russell Martin's side with 28 Championship goals between them this season.

"My record is not as good as Arma but I am still trying to get there," Adams told the Saints matchday programme. 

Saints forward Che Adams is great pals with Adam Armstrong

"I think as a striker you're always judged off goals, and to be scoring is always nice, but I've always said it throughout my time here, it's about where the club are going to be.

"If that means me not scoring goals and the team are winning and we're in second place or first place, I'm taking that all day."

He added: "We went on a similar path in regards to not scoring as many goals as we would've hoped and the fans probably expected.

"Now everyone can see that hard work pays off so it's nice to come through that moment and give back to everyone who expected so much of us.

"It's a really nice feeling. His wife is pregnant again as well, so l think he's clinical on and off the pitch!"

Armstrong is on course to become only the second Saints player to hit 20 league goals in a season since Rickie Lambert fired the club to the Premier League in 2012. 

Adam Armstrong is three goals behind Sammie Szmodics at the top of the Championship scorers charts (Image: PA)

Danny Ings buried 22 in the 2019-20 season before Armstrong inherited his number nine shirt following a move from Blackburn Rovers a year later. 

Adams insists the 27 year old's form - after he scored 28 in his last Championship season - is not a surprise to anyone at Saints.

"Arma's had an amazing season this year and there are still so many games to play," he enthuses.

"Also, his assists as well. That's what stands out because, as a forward, you don't really see that many assists.

"This year it's been good because we've played together more frequently than times before.

"I've always enjoyed playing with him because he's so fast, so any ball in behind that I play for his finishing in training is amazing.

"It's no surprise to everyone at the club that he's scoring this many goals. It's always a pleasure to play with him."