TOWERING forward Paul Onuachu is hoping his physical presence can help inspire Saints to survival this season after making a ‘dream’ move to the Premier League in January.

The six-foot-seven-inch striker joined Saints from Genk in the final hours of the winter transfer window to provide attacking support to a team who has scored 17 league goals all season and just seven in their last nine.

At 28-years-old, Onuachu arrives in England following ten seasons in the Danish and Belgian first divisions. And after 70 league goals in his last 92 appearances, he finally earned his big move to the Premier League.

READ MORE: Saints academy hoping to showcase next generation of first-team stars in FA Youth Cup

“I think it had to be now or never,” Onuachu told the Southampton club website of his Saints transfer. “I think I’m at the right age and I think I had to take this challenge and test myself, to impact my team. Hopefully, we do something great together.

“It’s a decision I took because coming to Southampton and playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, I’m coming to really impact my own team – it’s something big for me in my career.

“I have always followed the Premier League, watching it week in week out, seeing the games. It’s a whole different ball game, the intensity, the duels.

“Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League, and of course I’m happy to be here. I think I have the physique, I have the height, I have the size. Let the battle begin.”

Daily Echo: Paul Onuachu joined Saints on deadline day.Paul Onuachu joined Saints on deadline day. (Image: Image: Southampton FC)

Despite only arriving in the country days before Saints’ defeat to Brentford at the weekend, Onuachu was called upon at half-time to make his debut. And while he didn’t score in the 3-0 defeat, there were signs of the physical focal point the Nigerian is hoping to be for Nathan Jones's team.

“Of course it helps a lot, having this height,” Onuachu continued. “I’m in there with my height to make a difference in the box, so I think that’s why God gave me this height! If I have the right balls in the box, of course, you can see my height will tell.

“James (Ward-Prowse) is one of the best in the league with his service and his kick, so of course I’m happy to be coming here with someone like him. I think it’s going to really help the team and me a lot.”

“I’m very motivated, it’s a huge challenge. Coming here we are last on the table and everybody is working to really try to leave the relegation zone.

“It’s a huge challenge, not just for me but for everybody in the team. I’m going to give it all if I have the chance to play, and try to help the team to survive.”

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