Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana is excited about the challenge ahead of playing in the 'best league in the world'.
The 24-year old and his Saints teammates are preparing for life in the Premier League after finishing second in the Championship last season and the attacking midfielder is looking forward to being among the top echelon of clubs in world football.
"Excitement is the main emotion obviously," he told Sportsmail.
"We've got a tough pre-season ahead of us, we want to be fit and in as good shape as possible to compete, in what's known as the best league in the world."
And Lallana suggests Southampton are capable of at least avoiding the drop next term following the efforts of promoted clubs Norwich City, Swansea City and QPR last season.
"All three teams who got promoted last season stayed up, which gives us confidence. There's no reason we can't do it as well," he added.
