Nathan Wood sets out Southampton aim after encouraging start to season

Wood, 22, was named on the bench for Southampton's opening game of the season against Newcastle United on Saturday, which ended with a 1-0 defeat.

Despite falling short thanks to Joelinton's goal on the stroke of half-time Wood believes Saints can take a lot of encouragement from their performance at St James' Park.

However, having watched back the game this week, he admitted Southampton should have taken all three points against 10-man Newcastle.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: "I've not looked at this season as a fight to stay up. That would obviously be amazing and we'd take it.

"But we have got enough quality and guidance to try and win as many games as possible. We will go from there.

"We aren't looking at things as if we are in a fight from day one - the game at Newcastle proved that we can go toe to toe with quality teams.

Nathan Wood joined Southampton from Swansea this summer (Image: Stuart Martin)
"Yeah they had 10 men, but we have taken a lot of encouragement from the first half an hour where we played brilliantly.

"I was on the bench and it felt like we had control of the game. When you watch things back, like we have done this week, you see things that make you think 'We should have won that game.'

"It might not have felt like it on the day but when you simplify things and watch stuff back you find ways that we could have won it.

"We are not just in the Premier League to play well. At the end of the day you need results and that is what we are planning to get."

Since linking back up with Russell Martin this summer former Swansea defender Wood has observed some differences in the philosophy.

Fellow former Swans Flynn Downes and Ryan Manning have previously noted that Martin is always evolving his style.

"It's changed in ways," Wood explained. "But I also think it's changed because there are different types of tools at Southampton compared to Swansea.

"It's obviously a step up in level from the players. That's a big thing. There are players here that can be used in different positions.

Nathan Wood was on the bench for Southampton's first game of the season (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I'm enjoying it here. It's been quite easy to settle in and being around familiar faces has helped. I'm feeling good."

Not only has Wood been reunited with his former Swansea boss and teammates, but his move to Saints has also seen him renew his relationship with some fellow England youth internationals.

He played alongside fellow under-21s centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis regularly across pre-season - and has now been joined by another Young Lion in Cameron Archer.

Forward Archer, 22, joined on a permanent transfer from Premier League side Aston Villa last week before making his debut at Newcastle as a substitute.

French midfielder Lesley Ugochuku, 20, arrived on loan from Chelsea on the eve of Southampton's opening game but did not join in time to make the squad.

Cameron Archer celebrates scoring a goal for England under-21s (Image: PA)

Portuguese youth international Mateus Fernandes, 20, became the third arrival of the week on Tuesday evening when his move from Sporting was formally announced.

Wood has got a positive early impression from his new teammates following their first few days at Staplewood and thinks Saints fans should be excited.

He said: "I know Cam from England. He's a good player. I played against him when he was at Middlesbrough and I was at Swansea.

"I know what he brings. He's a very good player. Lesley is a big, powerful lad. He's an exciting player. Coming from Chelsea means he's come from a top club.

"Mateus looks sharp and he's only 20. I'm 22, but I thought he would be around my age at least, judging by the way he is training.

"He seems like he's got a real level head on his shoulders. They should be great additions to the squad. Southampton fans should be excited about them."