STEVEN Caulker is hoping he can follow in the footsteps of his friend and teammate, Ryan Bertrand, and take his career to a new level at Saints.

The centre-half, who is with the club on a season-long loan from QPR, enjoyed an impressive debut in Sunday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Espanyol and could make his competitive bow this week.

Like Bertrand, who arrived at Saints last summer, Caulker, who is just 23, has moved around a lot in his career, having now played for seven clubs.

But he is hoping that the switch to St Mary’s could now provide some stability, while also helping with his development – as it has done for Bertrand, who has gone on to establish himself in the England squad, while being voted the best left-back in the Premier League last term.

“I’m quite close with Ryan and I’ve played with him in previous squads, so I know him not just from last year, but previous time too, and I know that English guys who’ve joined here or come through have done well,” said Caulker, who has already been capped once by England in his career.

“It’s a no-brainer in terms of enjoying the club, it’s an exciting one, and that’s due to producing a lot of good English talent, which is good.”

Despite knowing Bertrand, Caulker revealed his fellow defender didn’t have to do any persuading to tempt him into moving to Saints.

“I didn’t [speak to him],” he said. “When the phone call came I knew that it was a good opportunity and I wanted to come here.”

One of the many attractions for Caulker was the chance to work with Ronald Koeman – one of the finest centre-backs ever to have played the game.

“I can take a lot from his game and I was fortunate last year to have played alongside Rio [Ferdinand] as well, so hopefully I’ll have two good years of learning alongside the greats, and any tips I can pick up hopefully I can add to my game,” he said.

Caulker began his career at Spurs, coming through the youth ranks, before continuing his development with loan spells at Yeovil, Bristol City and Swansea.

He then moved to Cardiff, ahead of the 2013/14 season, but, despite a strong individual campaign, he couldn’t prevent the Welsh club avoiding relegation.

Caulker suffered the same fate last term with QPR, admitting it was a disappointing year both for himself personally and the team.

But he is excited about what lies ahead at Saints and, although he says it is too early to talk about whether his switch will become permanent, he revealed he would be delighted if it could.

“It would be nice, but for now I’ve got to work my way into the team, as the season hasn’t even begun yet for myself,” he said.

“I’m taking things as they come and with each game that comes then hopefully I can prove myself here, have a good year, help them in Europe, and who knows what the future holds?”