Southampton hero Colin Clarke has recalled playing with Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier at The Dell.

Premier League legends Le Tissier and Shearer made their Saints debuts during his spell as forward.

The Northern Irish international laid two goals on for Shearer during his iconic maiden hat-trick versus Arsenal as a 17-year-old.

“Alan was always just a goalscorer but I wouldn't say naturally, he had to work hard at this game, but he was a very, very good player," Clarke told the Daily Echo.

“Strong in a lot of ways. Typical older centre-forward, and not to say he couldn't play now, because he could. Very, very good player. Both feet strong. Could head the ball."

He continued: “Le Tiss was always a little bit more unpredictable, which was just brilliant and a lot of ability.

“He loved Southampton and was never going to move and never going anywhere else. They just were world-class players."