THEO Walcott admits tomorrow’s return to St Mary’s will be a “special moment” for him.

The England international will be playing against Saints on Hampshire soil for the first time since leaving the club to sign for Arsenal almost seven years ago.

Walcott made a subdued celebration after he scored in the 6-1 win over the Saints at the Emirates Stadium in September, and is clearly relishing the opportunity to return to the club where he was the youngest player to appear in the first team.

“It will be a very tough occasion against Southampton, but it is one I am really looking forward to,” Walcott said.

“It will be a very special moment for me and Alex (Oxlade-Chamberlain), and also for some of the fans to see us come back to the club.”