Southampton

Ronald Koeman backs Charlie Austin for England

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 January 2016

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman backs new striker Charlie Austin to force his way into the England set-up after completing a £4m move to St Mary's.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has backed Charlie Austin to force his way back into the England set-up following his move to St Mary's.

The 26-year-old completed a £4m move from Queens Park Rangers last weekend and could make his debut for the Saints in Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Austin is yet to make his international debut, but was included in Roy Hodgson's squad in May 2015.

Koeman has claimed that Southampton will provide the striker with the stage to demonstrate his talents, citing Jose Fonte and Graziano Pelle as examples of late international call-ups.

"He's very hungry because he likes to play at the highest level and that means playing in the Premier League and he likes to develop," Koeman told reporters.

"He's still 26 years old and would like to get back into the national team but players are coming to Southampton and they know they develop and they know if they develop themselves and get game time that they are involved in national teams.

"Jose Fonte went to be an international after 29 and Graziano wasn't always in the national team and then he made his debut when he was 29 years old. That's interesting for players to come to Southampton because they know they develop, they improve and they will be a better football player."

Austin scored 18 Premier League goals for QPR last season, but could not prevent the R's from being relegated to the Championship.