Theo Walcott was happy to start in Southampton's victory over Leicester City.

The former Arsenal man, 33, made only his second start of the Premier League season during the 1-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday.

Walcott had appeared in all three games prior to the St Mary's clash under manager Ruben Selles, but only as a substitute. A feeling had been growing that he would make his way back into the XI.

Walcott said: “We're not getting carried away, but it's nice knowing we're not that team at the bottom because my son keeps on getting on to me about being at the bottom and that we're going down!

“He's only six. Arlo loves football right now and he makes me love it more too," Walcott added. “He'll be asleep when I get back but in the morning he'll be very happy.

“I've been challenging players. It's a different sort of mould of a player we have at this moment in time and, obviously being 33 and nearly 34, I want to be challenging these players, it's as simple as that.

“I want to be in the team. I was and particularly in the first half, I felt good. It's my first start in a long time. But I thought there was more in me as well. But you sensed Leicester were getting control of the game, particularly in the second half with the changes made.

“We're a team and a unit and it's nice to see not just the players that started, but the players on the bench, even the lads that weren't involved, because we've got a big squad here, it's nice to see the positive smiles and energy afterwards."