Southampton defender Simon Kozak has signed his first professional contract.

The Slovakia youth international joined Saints in the summer from Spartak Trnava in his homeland, and now puts pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract at St Mary's.

“I am very excited for this moment," he told the club's website. “This was my dream from when I was 13 years old and I am very happy to sign for Southampton Football Club.

“My first impression was great, I felt very good with my school and my coaches. It changed my life.

“But after one month, I was injured for a long time and for me, that was a very hard moment.

“Now I feel good, so I think this moment has made me stronger. I believe I can be better than I was before.

“My dream is to play for the Southampton first team in the Premier League."