Southampton striker Shane Long recognises his leadership role now with the club.

Long, now 33, is hoping he can guide his side to Premier League safety, starting with a trip to Norwich City when the season resumes.

"There comes a stage in your career where you know you are the one young players are going to come to, because you've been there a long time and played the game a long time," Long told the Saints website.

"They're hoping you've got some of the answers. When I was younger, playing for Ireland, it was Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Richard Dunne, Shay Given - they were all leaders.

"When I came to Southampton it was Kelvin Davis and Jose Fonté, who aren't much older than me, but are real heads of the game. They kept the dressing room in order.

"We've got a lot of leaders in our dressing room at the moment; people who are willing to stand up when things need to be said.

"It's about finding the right balance but I hope I can be that mature voice in the dressing room as well."