DEFENDER Taylor Harwood-Bellis believes Saints are ready for the Premier League and reaffirmed his commitment to play "with a purpose."

Harwood-Bellis, 22, made eight appearances for Man City - including in the Champions League - but never stepped onto the pitch in England's top division.

He was sure he would have that chance after winning the Championship with Burnley in 2023 but it took another promotion-winning loan at St Mary's.

Harwood-Bellis became manager Russell Martin's first signing of the summer due to a £20million obligation clause in his loan contract.

Speaking to Daily Echo, Harwood-Bellis said: "I think we're in a good space. We're mentally ready, physically ready, and let's see what it brings now. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis is contracted to Saints until 2028 (Image: Stuart Martin) 

"We've just got to go and do our stuff, be brave and play our football. It's not changed to be fair with what we want to do.

"We want to tidy a few bits up. There were a few spells in games that we kind of lost control with a few chances that we conceded," he continued. 

"I'm not going to say we're not conceding any chances this season because the quality going into the Premier League has gone up by a lot. 

"We're just ironing a few things out and there'll be stuff we need to get better on, even through the season, but we want to be brave and hopefully do our thing."

We spoke to Harwood-Bellis in the bowels of Wembley Stadium after his side's 1-0 win over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final.

He described himself as "buzzing" to be moving to Saints permanently - and 11 weeks on, speaking at St Mary's, he insists the feeling has not subsided.

"I still feel the same. I'm happy to be settled in now and there's nothing else on my mind apart from the first game and staying in the team," Harwood-Bellis said.

"There is literally nothing else to worry about. No contracts, no this or that, no thoughts of where am I playing? Nothing. I'm just happy here.

"I'm expecting a tough ride but I think it's just a case of me showing that I'm ready for it. I know it's going to be hard.

"I've just got to work hard and keep myself in the team. That's the priority and staying in the league next season, that's literally it."

Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored in the friendly versus MontpellierTaylor Harwood-Bellis scored in the friendly versus Montpellier (Image: Southampton FC)

England under-21 captain Harwood-Bellis is unlikely to find himself struggling to stay in Martin's first team - he will partner Jan Bednarek at Newcastle United.

He wore the armband during some parts of pre-season, is a rock-solid defender and a weapon in attack through his cross-field diagonal passes.

Saints are not afraid to go long when the pass is open - we have seen it throughout pre-season - and Harwood-Bellis pledges to keep looking for it.

"To be fair, the gaffer's not changed. He's not said to play more or to go a bit longer," Harwood-Bellis explained. 

"He's just said carry on what we're doing. I think some people get mistaken about how we play and think we're just passing it for the sake of it. 

"It's with a purpose. Sometimes football fans or other people might look and think they're just trying to play for the sake of it. We're not. 

"If we can do it in one pass, we will. If I think it's on, I'll play it. People have seen I like the ball over the top, I probably try it too much in the gaffer's mind.

"If it's on, we'll do it - and everyone's on the same page. The big thing is, if we try it and it doesn't come off, we'll just run hard to win it back."