Southampton striker Ricki Lambert is happy to keep proving his critics wrong.

Southampton were in League One when he was signed by Alan Pardew, three years ago, and has been the spearhead as they climbed back into the Premier League, developing and improving his game each step of the way.

"When I moved up from League One to the Championship, people were saying: 'He's not going to make it' and that's the best thing I can hear, especially from people who think they know a bit about football," said Lambert.

"I've always believed in myself. It's not a different game. You still try and score in the same goals and you still play with a round ball. It's not too much different.

"I've got better each season and that's a massive thanks to Southampton but in the last few years my confidence has got so high. I was confident I could do well, honestly."