Friday 22 January 2016 10:40, UK
Charlie Austin is fully fit and ready to revive his England dream at Southampton, according to Ronald Koeman.
Saints' £4m signing from QPR is in contention to make his debut at Manchester United this weekend after impressing during his first week of training.
And Koeman believes the 26-year-old - called up by England last year without winning a first cap - can follow two new team-mates in gaining international recognition relatively late in his career.
"He's very hungry, he wants to play at the highest level," the manager said. "He wants to develop, he's still only 26, and he'd like to get back in the national team.
"People come to Southampton knowing they can get involved in national teams - Jose Fonte and Graziano Pelle got theirs aged 29. It's interesting for players to come to Southampton, they know they will improve and develop.
"We signed him because he has played and scored in the Premier League. He's at a fantastic age to make a new start and he gives us competition at the front of our team.
"I was a little worried because Charlie had a hamstring injury before we signed him, but he had all the medical tests and took part in all the training sessions this week.
"We had to test him to know he is available and on his fitness tests he is as good as the rest of the players. I wasn't expecting it so quickly but it's nice to be surprised. He will be in the squad this weekend."
Koeman, speaking at his weekly pre-match news conference, again said Austin's arrival would not mean the departure of Pelle, Shane Long or Sadio Mane this month.
But Gaston Ramirez, who has featured just five times this season, has been told he can find another club.
