MIDFIELDER Flynn Downes insisted he wanted to rejoin Saints as soon as possible in order to "get to work" during pre-season.

The 25 year old has signed permanently from West Ham in time for Southampton's first pre-season friendly against Eastleigh on Friday, July 17.

Downes was back in training at Staplewood on Wednesday having been in Austria with West Ham for pre-season.

He could be in contention for minutes at the Silverlake Stadium before Saints head to Spain for a training camp.

Midfielder Flynn Downes was revealed at the club's kit launch eventMidfielder Flynn Downes was revealed at the club's kit launch event (Image: Southampton FC)

READ MORE: Downes explains decision to swap West Ham for Southampton

In a new interview, the former Swansea and Ipswich midfielder discussed the importance of getting a full pre-season behind him before stepping into the Premier League with Saints.

Speaking to The Stomping Ground, he said: “The football we play is so enjoyable. To be able to do that in the Premier League against top, top teams is what everyone dreams of.

“I wanted to get here early doors, meet all the new signings and get to work. The gaffer loves to tweak things on the training ground and work on specific things.

“It’s good when you get the boys in early doors. You can just crack on for the whole five, six weeks. It’s been good already. The first day back was enjoyable.”

Manager Russell Martin described Downes as "the most important signing of the summer" after his return was announced on Tuesday evening.

He played 37 times in the league for Saints last season as they won promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs.