Striker confident on Southampton survival

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert feels his side have shown they are more than capable of competing in the Premier League.

The Saints pushed reigning champions Manchester City all the way in their Premier League opener, with late goals from City pair Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri denying Southampton a share of the spoils at the Etihad Stadium.
Lambert admits Southampton were left disappointed by the defeat but the striker, who finished as the top scorer in the Championship last season, insists the performance demonstrates his side can push on and compete in the top flight.
"That performance showed that we can do well in the Premier League and none of us in the dressing room believe we have only come here to survive. We have confidence in our ability to compete at this level," said the striker.
Lambert had to settle for a place on the bench against City but managed to grab his first Premier League goal, and cancel out Carlos Tevez's opener, when he replaced Jay Rodriguez in the second-half.
The Southampton star admits he was delighted to grab a goal at City and will hope for a place in the starting line up when Wigan visit St Mary's on Saturday.
He added: "You could see how much it meant to me when I scored because that goal was something I have waited many years. I've scored plenty of times in the lower leagues, but to score against the champions in the Premier League was a great moment for me."