After two seasons of being in and out of the first-team, James Ward-Prowse feels he is finally establishing himself at Saints.

The midfielder has been an integral part of Ronald Koeman’s high-flying side since returning in mid-December from a broken foot, starting 11 of the club’s last 12 matches.

Having only started 46 games in total, since making his debut in the 2011/12 campaign, this has represented the 20-year-old’s first truly extended run in the team.

“I felt it was a difficult two years beforehand, obviously coming into the set-up as a youngster and getting game time here and there and not having that regular flow of game time,” he said.

“It was difficult for me to take. I’m very ambitious and very positive in my mindset, and a lot of negatives came into my life and I had to sort of deal with that and prove myself.

“I was a bit devastated when the injury came along that it may dampen my season and maybe [I would] have to wait another year for another good season, but it’s been good to get back in the team as soon as I can and obviously have a good, positive impact on the team.”

Ward-Prowse has been regularly used in the advanced central midfield position, behind striker Graziano Pelle, and says it is a role he is enjoying.

But, having only scored once for the first-team – back in an FA Cup game at Coventry just over three years ago – he is hoping another goal will arrive soon.

Ward-Prowse, who explained he has been given advice and encouragement from Pelle and has been conducting extra finishing practice, said: “It’s obviously a bit foreign for me, playing further forward,” he said.

“I’ve always been a player who plays behind the ball and plays forward, but it’s just a case of being confident in front of goal and I think once that first one comes I think that’ll just release a lot of pressure and I can just go out and have it be like a normal thing for me.”