Adam Lallana believes Billy Sharp has made the difference in getting Saints promoted to the Premier League.

The £1.8m recruit from Doncaster in January has weighed in with nine goals since joining, including the opener in the 4-0 final day win over Coventry.

That goal was a slight deflection from Lallana’s shot but the midfielder was happy to let his teammate take the glory for his contribution.

“I’ll give it to him. He deserves it,” said Lallana.

“He’s come in and scored eight or nine goals and it’s made the difference to be honest and that’s exactly what we needed.

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.

“We’ve been fighting for this day for a couple of weeks now and we’ve finally got there which is brilliant.”

Lallana has been at Saints since the age of 12 and is now set for a shot at the Premier League.

“After relegation it makes it that much more pleasurable,” he reckoned.

“It still hasn’t hit home yet.

“I would have taken 1-0.

“The last 10-15 minutes the nerves weren’t there, we knew we’d done it and credit to the whole football club.”