Southampton signing Eljero Elia is ready to make his debut against Manchester United.

Elia has been compared to Liverpool bad boy Mario Balotelli after a string of off-field incidents including taking a selfie next to his crashed sports car and swearing at fans on Facebook.

The wide-man is on loan from German club Werder Bremen, said: "I cannot wait to play. I want to show people what I can do.

"I want to prove myself and be important for the team. In want to prove the things they say about me are not true and be only positive."

Elia has backed Ronald Koeman to help him shine in the Premier League after an unhappy spell in Germany.

The former FC Twente star said: "Before I started my career my biggest dream was to play in England.

"My agent spoke with the boss and he said 'yes I want you.' It happened very quickly and after two weeks I signed my contract.

"Ronald worked in Holland before and I know a lot of players who played with him. I have only heard good things about him.

"Last season was hard for me. I was playing in the wrong position and we were struggling in the league. My qualities did not come out.

"I am a technical player and I am a typical player for the English game."