LEE Barnard says it is a “joy” to be partnering Rickie Lambert in one of the division’s most feared attacks.

The two have struck up a dangerous pairing since Barnard made the move to Saints, from Southend, in January.

They have started 12 games together, scoring a total of 14 goals – seven coming from each.

Barnard scored his eighth for Saints after coming off the subs bench at Brighton on Thursday night.

And the one-time Spurs trainee is excited by the way they have dovetailed together.

“He’s a great player, he helps my game,” said the 25-year-old.

“It makes my game a lot easier when you’re playing up front with such a talented footballer.

“Our understanding’s getting better.

“Hopefully we’ll be working on it more and more and it will be getting better and better.”

He added: “Rickie, he’s got everything, he’s a big target man, good with his feet, scores goals, good in the air, so it’s just a joy to work with him.”

Barnard revealed that Lambert was the first regular strike partner he has had in his career. The former Tottenham trainee said the 32-goal hitman was the best centre forward he has ever played with.

“In my career, in a first team, I would say yes, definitely,” Barnard said. “It’s probably the first time I’ve had a striker where I’ve played with him week in and week out.

“In previous seasons it’s been chopping and changing.”

Barnard’s role at Saints is different from the one he fulfilled with the Shrimpers. There he shouldered practically all of the pressure when it came to scoring goals.

But playing alongside Lambert means that responsibility is far more evenly spread.

“As a striker you’re judged on goals,”

said Barnard.

“It didn’t really bother me when I was at Southend and was the one having to score – that’s good.

“But it is nice to have Rickie, who is scoring goals for fun.”

Barnard had scored 17 for Southend this season, before moving to St Mary’s.

But it took him six games to get off the mark for Saints. However, since opening his account, he has not looked back – his goal at the Withdean on Thursday being his eighth in League One for Saints in just 11 starts plus two off the bench.

“I had a bit of a slow start,” he admitted. “But my time at Tottenham put me in good stead really.

“I’ve been at a big club before.

“Coming to Southampton, which is another big club, it took a little bit of time but I’m settled in, I’m enjoying my football and loving it down here.”

He added: “I’ve been pleased, I’ve been scoring goals now and I feel more settled.

“I’m happy, I’m getting to know the boys’ game and it’s been a lot easier getting an understanding.”