Southampton striker Shane Long admits he surprised himself with his record goal for last night's draw with Watford.

Long instantly charged down Craig Cathcart's clearance before racing through to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The goal, officially timed at 7.69 seconds, broke a 19-year record to become the fastest ever in Premier League history – but Andre Gray's late leveller ensured it would not be the winner as Saints were pegged back at Vicarage Road.

“It's nice. I didn't find out until after the game and I didn't know what the record was before," Long revealed.

“In every game you want to show your intent from the first kick and put them under pressure.

“Mainly it's just to force that long ball so they're not quite set. Luckily I blocked it, it dropped nicely and I took a touch across Craig.

“I know Ben from West Brom and he's an amazing keeper. He spreads himself so well and from watching clips I knew the dinked finish was my best option of scoring. Thankfully it came off.

“Records like that are nice to have I suppose, but it's just disappointing that it wasn't a goal to get three points because I thought we deserved it."