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. [nL5N1V08HH]

(Reuters)

"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.

(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru)