Southampton defender Jan Bednarek is ready to face Aston Villa striker Danny Ings on Friday.

The former Saints man moved to the fellow Premier League rivals Villa for £30million during a summer exodus that saw a handful of the club's senior players depart.

It could be the first time he returns to St Mary's this Friday, November 5, as struggling Villa visit the south coast in search of something to end a four-game losing run.

Bednarek said: “It's always great to see friends on the pitch. For the period of the game, for 90 minutes, we won't be friends anymore.

“But after the game we will shake hands, have a conversation and will be friends again. I think for us every single game is important, every single game is tough and demanding."