Southampton veteran Theo Walcott hopes that he can serve as an inspiration to the club's younger players.

The winger, who is now 34, was 16 when he was being linked to top clubs around the country in 2004-2005.

He eventually moved to Arsenal and did have some excellent seasons at the very top for the Gunners.

Now back at the Saints as a veteran, Walcott wants to pass on all he knows.

“I'm glad I've got two weeks off now as I can barely move! There are players in this squad that know the club well and understand what it means to wear this football shirt," Walcott said to the Daily Echo.

“They are players you want to follow, and if you see someone like myself at 34 years old running my socks off, you follow. It's as simple as that. We're all in it together and we all want to be successful.

“I know what it means. There have been signs of improving massively and players are now realizing that when you're down there, the true characters come out."