GOALKEEPER Aaron Ramsdale explained what Russell Martin expects from him at Saints and revealed his belief that he can add quality at the back.

Ramsdale is expected to play out from the back at Southampton and Martin has backed the 26 year old to excel in that aspect of the game.

Ramsdale previously lost his number-one spot at Arsenal because Mikel Arteta preferred David Raya's ball-playing ability.

The five-time England international demonstrated his ability to progress the ball quickly during his debut at Brentford - drawing praise from Martin.

Speaking in his first interview at Staplewood, Ramsdale explained what the coaching staff want to see from him this season.

He said: “The way the staff want to play - they want to play football. I knew a lot about them from their time at Swansea and MK Dons.

Aaron Ramsdale before his debut at BrentfordAaron Ramsdale before his debut at Brentford (Image: PA)

“He wants to play football and keep the ball on the ground in open play. They want to create overloads. That game (play-off final) was a testament to that.

“It was a great move and a great finish from Arma against Cardiff. Even watching the game against Cardiff there were some fantastic goals.

“Dean (Thornton) wants his goalkeepers to play out and first and foremost he wants them to keep goal and be proactive.

“If that is coming for crosses or through balls, that is what we are there to do. I’ve watched plenty of the manager’s team. It’s exciting football.

“The way he talks about it and the way he spoke in pre-season about ‘losing our way’ is a real breath of fresh air.

“I feel like the supporters have also taken that on. They know how we are going to set up and play. If it works, brilliant. If it doesn’t, ok, we move on to next week.

"Hopefully I can add a bit of experience and quality to that and help this club win games of football."

He added: "I've developed massively as a person (since his previous relegations). Becoming a father and a husband helped a lot with that.

"Last year was difficult for myself because I didn't play as much as I would have liked to - but that puts things into perspective.

"Football isn't life and death. You go home to your son and wife - that brings you down to earth quickly.

"I've gained crazy experiences as a goalkeeper. I went from two teams that got relegated to playing for a team in the Champions League that was pushing for a title.

"A few England caps as well. Hopefully, I can add all of that together and stay level-headed at one pace to put together some good performances for Southampton."