Southampton attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi has revealed the influence of Brian Deane on his career in Norway.

Deane worked with Elyounoussi at Sarpsborg.

“I remember Brian Deane told me many times 'you're ready for the Premier League'," he told southamptonfc.com

“When he came to us I didn't know anything about him, but he's such a great guy and a great coach.

“I'm still in touch with him – he's like my mentor, and I talked to him before I came to Southampton.

“He told me I was ready many times, but it was last season when I played against United and City, and had good games against both of them, that I realised I was ready.

“Before that, in the Champions League, we (Basel) had Arsenal and PSG. It was tough, and I wasn't ready then.

“But I felt something in me that told me I was ready – especially after the games against Man City (Elyounoussi scored as Basel came from behind to win at the Etihad).

“When you play well against these teams, you know you have that level in you. Playing in huge stadiums like Old Trafford and the Etihad, you want it every week.

“I knew after last season I was ready for the next step, which was the Premier League."