Southampton striker Adam Armstrong says his past loans were the making of him.

The 24-year-old striker underwent four different loan transfers between 2015-2018, while still a youngster employed by Newcastle United.

The first spell was a lucrative one in front of goal, when he joined up with Tony Mowbray, Blackburn's current boss, at Coventry City in League One. A teenage Armstrong netted 20 league goals in 40 appearances.

He recalled to the Daily Echo: “We had an unbelievable squad at Coventry when you look back at it now. It was my first loan move and I really enjoyed it. The gaffer was brilliant, Tony Mowbray. I settled in perfectly and hit the ground running straight away.

“He gives us the confidence to perform. He has been close to me since I was 17 or 18. I am so thankful to him for getting me to where I am today. It was me, being a boy, seeing what men's football was all about. I did well."

Armstrong added: “I went on loan to Coventry and Newcastle wanted me to go on loan, another one. They wanted me to join a lower Championship club and that was really hard to take.

“I went to Barnsley and I did enjoy it, it took me to the next step.

“You could say it made life harder but it's one of them.

“You learn new things, new ways of playing under a new manager. I scored some goals, but all those loan spells got me to where I am today."