FRONTMAN Shane Long insisted he had “nothing but fond memories” of his time at Saints and said: “Who knows what the future holds?”

The 34-year-old saw his game time limited at St Mary’s this season and was given permission by Ralph Hasenhuttl to sign on loan for AFC Bournemouth, in the dying moments of the transfer window.

Long made his debut for Cherries in last week’s 3-2 victory over Birmingham City and could feature when the Championship outfit visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday (12.30pm).

Striker Long signed a fresh two-year deal at St Mary’s in June 2020.

Speaking to afcbTV, the Republic of Ireland international said: “I really enjoyed my time at Southampton. It’s a really good club, really well-run club.

“I respect them as much as they respect me.

“It’s somewhere that really progressed my career – I have a lot of good memories there. Playing time wasn’t really there for me this season, with the new signings that came in.

“It was good for me to get out and play some games and I’m very thankful to come to a setup like I have in Bournemouth and help as much as I can.

“Who knows what the future holds? But nothing but fond memories of my time at Southampton.”

Long has played 226 times for Saints in all competitions, having joined from Hull City in August 2014.

And despite being in the twilight of his career, the frontman has no intentions of winding down yet.

“People keep telling me I need to plan for the end. I am 34 now but I don’t feel like I am that age,” he added.

“I feel like I still have a lot to give. I’ve still got my pace and, touch wood, injury-wise I’ve been okay.

I’m just focusing on football.

“The last 12 months I probably haven’t played as much as I want, so the legs are fresh and I want to do all I can for this club and play as many games between now and the end of the season.”