FORMER Saint Alan Shearer admitted he is "really pleased" to see Southampton return to the Premier League, but insisted they are in for a "tough season."

Southampton's 1-0 win against Leeds United in the Championship playoff final on Sunday saw them bounce straight back to the Premier League.

Adam Armstrong's goal was the difference, and Shearer was quick to congratulate his fellow Geordie on a brilliant season.

The former England international turned pundit also took time to applaud Russell Martin for transforming the culture at the club.

READ MORE: 'Deserve it' - Tearful Stephens reflects on leading Saints to Premier League return

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: “A lot of those players had the disappointment of being relegated with Southampton.

“I watched it all and I thought they deserved it. They were the best team. I thought Leeds were really poor.

“They had nothing upfront and Southampton had Adam Armstrong, who has scored 20-odd goals this season. 

“He is a Geordie boy doing well down south. He was the difference. He had the one opportunity and he stuck it away.

Shearer continued: “He (Russell Martin) has been amazing. When it really mattered, they’ve shown up.

“I’m really pleased for Southampton. I love that football club because it’s where I started. It’s very different people who run the club now but it’s still the club I went to when I was 15.

“It’s a really good fanbase so I’m pleased for them that they are back in the big time. It’s going to be a tough season for them next year.”