DETERMINED Jan Bednarek revealed how playing alongside goalscoring great Robert Lewandowski gave him a huge amount of motivation.

Lewandowski, a Poland international team-mate of the Saints star, previously made his name at Lech Poznan – the same club as Bednarek started his professional career.

The legendary striker has since gone on to star at the likes of Borussia Dortmund and latterly Bayern Munch, where he has now netted a staggering 316 goals in 345 games.

Warsaw-born Lewandowski scored a hat-trick for Bayern in a 5-2 Champions’ League victory over Benfica on Tuesday, his 100th appearance in Europe’s elite competition.

Both he and Bednarek have been called up by the national side for Poland’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary this month.

Asked about working alongside Lewandowski, the odds-on favourite for this year’s Ballon d'Or, Bednarek told the Daily Echo: “It’s a great time for me because you can learn a lot, you can watch what things the best striker in the world is doing.

“How he behaves, how much of a professional he is and I think for us younger players he is a great example and a player which gives you a lot of motivation.

“He can show us there is no limit.

“With hard work and conviction you can reach the highest level and be the best player in the world.”

Poland could still overhaul England to seal automatic qualification for Qatar 2022.

Both Lewandowski and Bednarek featured at last summer’s European Championship.

For now, the Saints defender will be focused on Friday’s home clash against Aston Villa in the Premier League.