ORIOL Romeu is backing Stuart Armstong to flourish in the Premier League.

Romeu likes what he has seen from his fellow midfielder.

Armstrong, 26, is preparing for his first season outside of the Scottish Premier League, following his £7m move from Celtic.

“He looks very good and he’s fitted in well,” said Romeu. “Sometimes players take time to adapt but I see him playing at a good level in the Premier League.

“He’s a clever footballer and a good guy, who’s always trying to do things to improve himself.

“He can play the last pass, he gets in the box, scores goals and assists. Hopefully he does this many times with us. He can play as a number eight or in the number ten role and can get into those final areas of the pitch.

“He played as a second striker in China and I’ve seen very good things every day in training “We wish him all the best and will help him do his best.

“We talk about everything. Sometimes I tell him something, sometimes he tells me. It’s good to share different knowledge.”

Armstrong is one of four new signings yet to play in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Angus Gunn, Danish centre-half Janik Vestergaard, and Norwegian forward Mohamed Elyounoussi.

“All of them are very good guys with good characters, willing to do things in the Premier League for this club,” continued Romeu. “That hunger to perform in this league is very important when someone comes in because it’s very hard.

“They are winners and are here to do things well.”

Saints are currently in France ahead of their first St Mary’s friendly of pre-season, against Celta Vigo next Wednesday.

Borussia Monchengladbach follow on Saturday week before the big kick off against Burnley on August 12.

Romeu knows the importance of a good start.

“If we don’t start getting points right from the beginning we might not have enough at the end,” he said.

“Last time we found ourselves in a very vulnerable position.

“It wasn’t easy but now we’re on the same points as everyone else and want to build something much better.

“We are pushing hard to be one step ahead of the others, to have the confidence to play our football without that added pressure of being down at the bottom.

“It is not nice and not comfortable and doesn’t allow you to perform at your best. So that’s our mentality right now.

“Our coaching sessions last season weren’t very long but we’re spending more time [in training] now, we’re getting to know each other well and know what they demand from us.

“Last season there was panic but now it’s different. We have time to fix everything and that‘s what we’re trying to do.

“We’ve got very good matches in pre-season so need to perform and make sure that when the first fixture comes we’re in the best possible condition.”