Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is backing Rickie Lambert to have an impact in the Premier League.
Prolific marksman will be a threat in the top flight
Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is backing Rickie Lambert to have an impact in the Premier League.
The striker took just four minutes to open his account in top-flight football last Sunday after coming on as a substitute against Manchester City.
The 30-year-old has now scored in all four divisions of the English game, and was instrumental in the South Coast club's rise from League One to the Premier League over the last two seasons.
Coming on to face the title-winning partnership of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott did not faze Lambert, and Adkins feels there will be more to come from his player.
Dimension
"I think he will grow in confidence, he has played against some real top defenders there and physically he has dealt with that challenge ever so well.
"He gives a dimension to the football team that has served us well over the last few years.
"Obviously the pace of the game now in the Barclays Premier League is there, but he has got a quick brain."
Adkins is keen for Lambert to be given the chance to continue his prolific run of form from last season, where he netted 31 times in all competitions.
Threat
"He scores all types of goals so he will always be a goalscoring threat as long as we keep getting him in and around the areas to do that," said Adkins.
"I think you will only find out if you're good enough when you're given those opportunities.
"I know he has worked very hard on his game and his body."
