Lambert relishing City test

Rickie Lambert: Believes Southampton can cause Manchester City problems

Rickie Lambert is looking forward to Southampton's Premier League opener with reigning champions Manchester City.

Lambert's prolific form in front of goal since linking up with the Saints has played a big part in their rapid rise through the divisions.

He has provided the firepower as Nigel Adkins' side have clambered out of League One, through the Championship and back into the big time.

They are now readying themselves for a top-flight return and the challenges that life among the elite will pose.

Tests do not come much bigger than a trip to the top side in the country, but Lambert claims the Saints are relishing the opportunity to lock horns with City at the Etihad Stadium on 18th August.

Chuffed

He said: "It's brilliant. My cousin asked me who I thought we'd get and I said to him I bet you any money it will be City.

"The only thing I got wrong is that I thought it would be at our place, but either way I was hoping for it and we got it as well so I'm absolutely chuffed.

"There's all kinds of sayings like it's better to get them early and just after the Euros, and who knows what kind of mind-frame they're going to be in, but all that matters is what kind of mind-frame we're going to be in.

"I think if we're in the same mind-frame as we were and the same shape that we started with last season, then they'll find it very hard to beat us - I'm sure about that."