FORMER Saint goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski believes compatriot Mateusz Lis has made the right move in joining the south coast club, with the shot-stopper praising both the club and city of Southampton.

Bialkowski, currently with Millwall in the Championship, spent six years with Saints between 2006 and 2012.

Despite being hampered by injury during his time at St Mary’s, the 34-year-old still holds the club – and the city – in high regards, and believes that Lis will “enjoy every training session.”

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In an interview translated from his native Polish, Bialkowski told sport.tvp.pl: “This a great time for Mateusz.

“He ended up in a solid, well-organized and good club.

“For several years, Ralph Hasenhuttl's assistant was Kelvin Davis, the legendary goalkeeper of this club.

“From what I heard, he is to work in the club in a new role from the new season.

“Sometimes I follow the training sessions in Southampton via social media and I think that this is a good school for goalkeepers.

“They look very interesting. It was like that in my day too.

“The professionals employed there represent the highest level. The training base is impressive.

“The training centre is modern and I am of the opinion that Mateusz will enjoy every training session.

“Moreover, the city is very nicely situated. Southampton is a great place to live.”

Lis’ signing from Turkish club Altay SK came somewhat as a shock, after Saints had been linked with another Polish goalkeeper – Fiorentina’s Dragowski – for quite some time.

“I knew that Mateusz was doing well in the Turkish league and Wisła Kraków,” mentioned Bilakowski, who made a total of 42 appearances for Saints.

“Of course, the transfer to the Premier League was a surprise, but as a Pole I am happy that another compatriot of mine went to England.

“It is true that many fans expected a Polish goalkeeper to come to Southampton, but everyone was waiting for Bartek Drągowski.

“It wasn't until afterwards that there were reports of Lis being transferred to St Mary's.”

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