Grzegorz Rasiak admits it was not an easy decision to join Bolton Wanderers, but expects the move to boost his Euro 2008 hopes.
He is not ruling out a permanent deal at the Reebok Stadium and hopes playing in the Premier League will help him to make an impact at Euro 2008.
"This is a big chance for me to play in the Premier League and to improve as a player," said Rasiak in the Daily Echo. "And Euro 2008 played a big part in my decision.
"It is only on loan at the moment. I still have two-and-a-half years on my contract with Southampton, but if I do well and score goals then who knows what the summer will bring? The European Championships are very important to me and if I am playing for a Premiership team I have a bigger chance to be part of it.
"It was not an easy decision and I thought about it for a long time. I have really enjoyed my time here and it is a good club and a nice place to live. I have a lot of respect for Southampton and for the fans who stuck by me even when I was not playing.
"I scored 33 goals in just under two years and that is a good record especially considering I had spells out of the team.
"I really hope Southampton go on and win promotion."