Former Saints defender Graeme Le Saux believes the signing of Charlie Austin is likely to give the rest of the squad a considerable morale boost.

The ex-England and Chelsea left back, who played 44 times for Saints, was impressed with capture of Austin from QPR.

And he knows from his previous experience that a transfer move such as this one can lift the whole squad.

Le Saux, speaking exclusively to 888poker.com, said: "When he was in the Premier League his goal stats were fantastic and a striker with that eye for a goal can be invaluable.

“Also when you sign a player like that everybody in the dressing room notices and you often get a positive reaction from players because it’s good for morale.

“It could be one of those signings where you look back and think blimey what an inspired move to get him in.

“It was quite strange how he couldn’t get a move at the beginning of the season."

Le Saux also believes that Austin’s £4m price tag could prove an incredible bargain for Saints.

"If he turns in half a dozen important goals between now and the end of the season that will seem a tiny price,” he said.

“At the moment Southampton are in a vulnerable position and clearly selling your best players two seasons in a row does have an impact on the dressing room. It was always going to be hard for them at some point.”

• To read the full interview, head to 888poker.com