SPIRITS are high as Southampton’s summer training camp in Spain comes to an end - but the Daily Echo owes Sam Edozie an apology.

While some of the squad were out on the golf course or lounging by the pool, pals Aribo and Edozie were playing Call of Duty Warzone in their rooms.

The pair took their PlayStations to Girona for the downtime and Edozie proudly told us that he would confidently take on anyone in the squad.

“I have given golf a go but it's not really me, “ the 21 year old said. "COD Warzone is my game, anyone in the squad that wants to try me, I'll do it."

We told Aribo of his claim in a separate interview a few minutes later and the Nigerian international was left flabbergasted.

“He's a liar,“ Aribo responded defiantly. “He's actually a liar. We play together and I am always getting more kills than him."

Joe Aribo and Sam Edozie celebrate promotion at WembleyJoe Aribo and Sam Edozie celebrate promotion at Wembley (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

This was all shaping up for a nice story - until the Daily Echo realised listening back. We had missed Edozie explicitly saying "apart from Joe," in his answer.

Edozie was giving his partner the respect he deserved for his performances and we had falsely incriminated him. 

They should be fine - Edozie and Aribo have developed a close friendship having both signed for the club during the summer transfer window in 2022.

Both are relishing the opportunity to showcase their talent in the Premier League again, after difficult seasons the first time around.

Edozie was trusted by Nathan Jones but only made substitute appearances for the other two bosses, while Aribo only played two of the last 16 matches.

"I can take experience from that season, every game is tough and one split-second mistake can end in a goal," Edozie said. 

Sam Edozie scored six goals and provided three assists last seasonSam Edozie scored six goals and provided three assists last season (Image: PA)

"You have to be switched on throughout and make as few mistakes as possible. It's going to be an exciting season - the team is more than good enough."

Aribo added: "The Premier League is where the club is meant to be so now it's up to us to showcase how good we are and what we are capable of.

"I wanted to come back fit and ready for pre-season and I feel like I have done that. I am feeling good and now it is up to the manager and how he feels."

When Aribo first arrived, his best position was slated as right-attacking-midfield and it was an assessment the 28 year old then agreed with.

Under manager Russell Martin, Aribo has made his home in the middle of the park - where he has impressed during the first three friendlies.

Martin insisted: "Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Aribo are amazing. They have an understanding of what we need and how they work together.

"They're top and that's built from a relationship of playing together a lot last season. They get on really well and they fight for each other.

"It's a big plus for us, their understanding. You have to be a really top player to come in and force one of them out of the team."

Aribo explained: "Playing for Rangers, I was on the right. I played in the Europa League final as a striker - so maybe, I was more seen as a forward player.

"I have always known my best position is as an eight, so I don't think there is a massive difference in me but it's about position and what the manager sees."

Meanwhile, Edozie has the opportunity to secure a starting berth in Martin's Premier League team with Saints still looking to bring in a new winger.

They have lost Ryan Fraser - who spent a lot of last season ahead of six-goal Edozie - and have been so far unsuccessful in bringing him back to the club.

"There's always a chance to do that, no matter who is playing there," Edozie insisted. 

"But, as you said, there are not many options there at the moment so hopefully I can put in good performances, get some goals and make the position my own."