Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana has admitted that he is desperate to get back into first-team action.

The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury in December and has recently recovered, though has yet to make a start under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Lallana is hoping to impress his new manager and has insisted that he has enjoyed himself so far under the Argentine coach.

"I have been itching to get back now the whole time," said Lallana. "I've been there or thereabouts the last three or four weeks and I've made a couple of appearances off the bench.

"I am fully fit and eagerly hoping to get some time from the start, whether I do, we will find out on Saturday. It was frustrating because you want to get out there and prove to him your worth, really.

"He has been great and the language barrier is not an issue. You communicate fine and his assistant Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino and goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez can all speak English well. It is great and I am so far thoroughly enjoying my time under the gaffer."

The Saints currently sit three points off the relegation zone in 16th.