Adam Armstrong admits he is following in legendary footsteps after joining another of Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer's former clubs.
The former Magpies striker completed a switch understood to be in the region of £15m to Southampton on Tuesday.
Armstrong was earmarked as a replacement for Danny Ings following two prolific seasons for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, the last of which saw him net 28 times.
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Southampton's new striker began his career with boyhood club Newcastle, but he was only afforded a handful of senior appearances before the club sanctioned a £1.7m sale to Rovers in the summer of 2018.
The 24-year-old's journey so far has seen him complete a 'reverse Shearer', as the Magpies' record goalscorer made his professional debut with the Saints before finishing his career on Tyneside.
It is a happy coincidence, and one which Armstrong is happy to embrace having idolised the legendary number nine.
He told the club's website : "That’s not too bad!
“I’ve just looked at that before actually – I’ve went on his career backwards.
“It’s a funny comparison, but Shearer was a massive legend at Newcastle and obviously Southampton and Blackburn as well, and I’m trying to do the same."
Armstrong is on course for an early return to St James' Park, with Newcastle set to host the Saints on August 28.
The prospect of playing in 'big' Premier League matches, week in week out, was something the striker admits motivated his move to St Mary's.
He added: “A few of them stand out. Newcastle away is pretty soon, so that will be a good one.
“Every game is going to be brilliant. Going from, no disrespect to the Championship, but the teams playing there compared to the likes of Man City and Man U… it’s unbelievable, something that I’m relishing and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s what I’ve wanted ever since I was little, to be playing in these sorts of big games, and now that it’s coming back it’s unbelievable. It’s something that I’m thriving on, and hopefully I can entertain the fans and put on a good show."
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