REPLACING Danny Ings is a challenge Che Adams relishes, with the Scottish international stating that it is “a nice feeling” to have “pressure on your shoulders.”

Ings finished as Saints’ leading league scorer in all of his three seasons at St Mary’s, meaning his sudden departure to Aston Villa in the summer left a big gap upfront.

Initially playing second-fiddle to Ings after arriving from Birmingham City in the summer of 2019, Adams is now Saints’ go-to striker to lead the line.

With three goals and an assist despite issues with COVID and injuries, Adams is keen to improve his record and help his side move forward.

Speaking to Saints’ website, Adams said: “Obviously, he was the main provider of the goals.

“But now it’s up to the next generation and the other players, like myself and the other strikers, to step up and do well.

“It’s always a nice feeling to have pressure on your shoulders because that’s what you strive for and want to do.”

To supplement their strike force, Saints brought in two strikers over the summer – borrowing Armando Broja from Chelsea, as well as signing Adam Armstrong from Championship Blackburn.

Whilst some players may have not been impressed at their club bringing in more strikers, Adams revealed he revelled the extra competition for a place in the side.

He explained: “You need competition for places, and I think we’ve got the right balance now with everyone.

“Everyone brings a sort of different game, to our plans in matches.

“It’s been great, everyone has been top-drawer and they’re really good players.

“So, there’s no knocking that, and there’s a small headache for the manager, who has to pick the team on a Saturday.”

Saints will be hoping to have a full compliment of strikers when they visit Swansea City in the FA Cup next weekend.