CHARLIE Austin revealed that he “was playing the best football” of his career before a dislocated shoulder sidelined him for five months of last season.

The 28-year-old had netted nine goals in all competitions before he did the injury in early December at St Mary’s in the costly 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Europa Leauge, which saw Saints eliminated from the competition.

But now Austin is back and raring to go this term under Mauricio Pellegrino.

He said: “I felt fit last year to be honest. I felt strong and I was flying.

“Do you know what? I was playing the best football of my career last year up until I got injured and that was a silly accident when that happened, which is part and parcel of football.

“I feel fit and I feel strong again and now it is about just battling for the team, trying to get involved in the team as much as I can and try and get as many good performances and winners as I can.”

England assistant manager Steve Holland was watching at St Mary’s on Saturday as Saints defeated West Ham 3-2, thanks to Austin’s 93rd minute penalty.

But Austin, who has had one call up to the Three Lions squad – when he was an unused substitute in games against Republic of Ireland and Slovenia in 2015, isn’t thinking about selection to Gareth Southgate’s side.

“That's in the back of my mind. I just want to stay fit this season, try and score as many goals as I can,” he said. “That's the main aim for me, and try and help this great football club.

Austin was just pleased to get his first Premier League goal of the season against the Hammers.

“I was delighted of course,” he said. “Every striker wants to get off the mark as soon as possible but the main thing was we showed great character today.

“Although they went down to ten men we showed great character to get the win. That is the main thing. First win of the season and four points from the first two games and we are happy.” ENDS