SAINTS signing Zach Abbott believes his experiences playing in big games for Nottingham Forest stand him in good stead for his first senior loan.
The 20 year old has only made 13 appearances for his boyhood side, but they include Europa League knockout games and an FA Cup semi-final.
Abbott played 83 minutes against Man City at Wembley in 2025, and this year the whole of a 2-1 win away at Midtjylland as well as a 1-1 draw with Porto.
The youngster has impressed supporters at Riverside, and he hopes to do the same at St Mary's as Saints target promotion to the Premier League.
"These games have added valuable experience, and I think that hopefully I can keep developing and getting more," Abbott said after joining Saints.
"There have been many highlights over the last couple of seasons, including travelling in Europe and stuff and playing teams that play different ways.
"It's not just how football is played in England, it's across Europe. They were really important, and the semi-final was a high-pressure one to come into.
"That's only helped me and helped me build confidence, obviously. In the previous season before that, I didn't play very much at all.
"I played twice, but one of them came at Wembley in the FA Cup, and that was probably one of the proudest moments of my career so far.
"Stepping out onto the Wembley pitch is what you dream of as a boy."
Abbott added: "I feel like I read the game well. I think that it's important to have as a centre-back, to be able to see what's in front of you.
"You have to make sure that you're in the right positions, and I think that will only come with more experience, but I'm confident in what I can do.
"I'm composed on the ball, and what I can promise is that I'll always give everything for the badge. That is something that is a non-negotiable for me.
"And no matter what, I'm about defending first. Clean sheets are my job, and that's what I know we're all here to do, to get clean sheets and win games."
Abbott revealed that he spoke to head coach Tonda Eckert on Monday, as a deal to bring him to St Mary's progressed quickly ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
"I got a call from the manager, and he was super positive. It was a really good chat, and he just outlined what he wanted from me," he explained.
"There were non-negotiables that he expects from what a Southampton team looks like. We had a chat, and it made me even more excited about it.
"I think primarily I'll be used as a centre-back. I played a lot last season at right-back for Forest in Europe, but that was how the team was set up.
"Those experiences have only helped me to become a better centre-back, and I don't think it's ever a bad thing to have multiple positions to play.
"It gives the manager options in terms of if there's cover needed, and as long as I'm on that pitch, I'll give my all and do as much as I can for the team."
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