Ings hoping to make the most of 'special' return to Saints

The 26-year-old, who trained at Saints' former centre of excellence at Wellington Sports Ground as a schoolboy, returned to Southampton on a season-long loan on deadline day, having failed to make an impact in three years at Liverpool.

"It does (feel special) and now I've just got to prove my worth," Ings told the Daily Echo. "It's not just about being a local boy here, I'm here to improve and do as well as I can for the fans and for the team.

"Considering all the stuff I went through I've never lost belief, it was just about getting fit. Last season I was fit all year. The opportunities were hard to come by with the strikers at Liverpool but that's football.

"I'm just glad I can come here and prove myself now."

Ings made his Southampton debut as a second half substitute in last weekend's 0-0 draw with Burnley in the league.

Southampton travel to Everton on Saturday.