Danny Ings says he's ready to hit the ground running for Southampton last season.

The striker made his loan move from Liverpool permanent this summer.

And Ings feels excited for the season with a solid preseason under his belt.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Ings said: "I think it was very important coming back with a solid base for this season.

"Last year was a bit up and down for me.

"When I came down from Liverpool I wasn't 100 per cent fit and you could see that from my performances.

"That was the reason why I had a few niggles, so it was important for this year that I put in a lot of work during the off-season before returning for pre-season.

"I'm just really looking forward to starting."