SIGNINGS Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood have made a strong start to life at Saints and have earned the backing of the club's captain.

Jack Stephens says he will help the duo, who are 21 and 22 years old respectively, to reach their potential after £3million moves to St Mary's.

Both England youth internationals, Edwards signed from Peterborough United while Wood played under manager Russell Martin at Swansea City.

The pair have featured in the side's early pre-season wins, with Edwards setting up youngster Tyler Dibling for a goal in the 3-1 victory against Montpellier.

Stephens, speaking to the Daily Echo at the club's summer training camp in Spain, said: "They're two really good lads, really nice lads.

"They are obviously very talented but they're also keen to learn they ask loads of questions, work hard and that's all you can ask from young players coming in.

"If I can help them on the pitch then great - but I'll always be looking to help them off the pitch as well. That goes without saying."

Neither player has played at the Premier League level yet, but they do boast 105 matches of Championship experience between them.

Edwards and Wood's strengths are both with the ball at their feet, while Edwards has already proven himself to be an excellent reader of the game.

Edwards and Wood are in contention to feature again for Martin when Saints travel to Oxford United in their fourth friendly fixture on Wednesday, July 31.