BRIAN Howard admits it was a "wrench" to leave Saints when he signed for Swindon in the summer of 2003.

After almost 10 years at the club, the Winchester-born player left in 2003 without ever having made the first team breakthrough.

But the Barnsley midfielder, preparing for this weekend's clash against his former club at Oakwell, told the Daily Echo: I'd love to come back one day!

"I'm playing central midfield now and I'm sure that's my best position," Howard said.

"I spent a long time at Saints playing in different positions - up front, out wide on the left, in the hole behind the striker - so it's nice to get settled in one position.

"Most of the time for Saints in the reserves I played on the left, though Stewart Henderson did play me in the hole which I did enjoy.

"It was a big wrench to leave Southampton. I'd been there since I was 10 through to when I was 19, 20.

"I had turned pro at 17 and was probably expecting things to happen for me, but they didn't turn out as I'd hoped.

"I don't think I've got anything to prove to Southampton.

"It's not Brian Howard against Southampton, it's Barnsley against Southampton, we're at home and we want the three points.

"And there's not many people left at Southampton from my time there."

For the full Brian Howard interview - including his thoughts on what Saints can expect on Saturday - don't miss today's Daily Echo