NIGEL Adkins told Rickie Lambert to take inspiration from England rugby ace Jonny Wilkinson, ahead of the striker scoring twice on his 100th league appearance for Saints.

Lambert netted a pair of penalties in the 4-0 win over Watford at St Mary’s, taking his goal total for the season to ten.

Adkins hailed his frontman’s contribution, revealing that he had used Wilkinson as an example for Lambert to follow, after watching the fly-half’s pivotal contribution in England’s Rugby World Cup win over Scotland on Saturday morning.

“I said to him that I watched the rugby, England Scotland,” explained Adkins.

“Jonny Wilkinson, he’s a top guy and obviously he missed a few penalties early on in the game.

“But he kept taking them, and he kept his pre-shot routine right, and he kept believing in himself.

“Rickie’s missed a couple of opportunities the last few games, but he keeps believing in himself.

“He keeps going, and for me he’s been outstanding for us.

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