Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has paid tribute to Rickie Lambert after he announced his retirement yesterday.

Lambert confirmed he was calling time on his career on Tuesday.

Le Tissier said of the former Saints striker: "It was an incredible achievement from where he started his career, to make such a huge impact and be such an influence in getting Southampton back from League One to the Premier League, and then flourishing in the Premier League as well.

"I think Southampton Football Club have a huge debt of gratitude to Rickie Lambert for the part he played in that resurgence of the club.

“He's a top bloke. The fact he was so popular among his teammates tells you what kind of bloke he is. Not just that, but the way he was with the fans. He's an incredibly humble person and never forgot where he came from, and was incredibly grateful for Southampton giving him the chance to go and play in the Premier League. It was a match made in heaven really."