Jack Cork says there is a silver lining to Team GB's quarter-final elimination from the London 2012 Olympic Men's Football tournament – because it allows him to get back into contention with Saints.
The midfielder returned to training at Staplewood this morning having been away with Stuart Pearce's squad since 7th July.
During that time, Cork made substitute appearances in Great Britain's group-stage games against Senegal, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay and their pre-tournament friendly versus Brazil.
But he did not make it off the bench as Team GB were eliminated on Saturday having lost to South Korea on penalties to cut short their search for a gold medal.
"I can't wait to get back in," Cork told Saints Player following his first training session since returning from international duty.
"I worked so hard last year to try and get into the team for this season, so hopefully I can do enough over the next couple of weeks to get a place in the team for the first couple of games.
"One bonus of coming out early is that I get to take part in the last two friendlies of pre-season to hopefully to give myself a chance.
"I'm looking forward to the games against Udinese and Bristol City, so I hope I can get involved and stake a claim."
Despite his side's last-eight elimination, Cork says the experiences he has gained over the past 28 days are ones he will always cherish.
"It's been an amazing last month," he admitted.
"To play with that group – and experienced players like Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy – has been amazing. They were great lads, and a great help on the training pitch.
"Just to be a part of that group and part of such an amazing experience in London was great.
"I'll never forget it, and it's something I'll always think about.
"But it's really good to be back – I've missed everyone here," added Jack.
"I've missed quite a lot of stuff, so it's good to get back in and get amongst it. It's great to see the lads again, have a bit of a laugh and work hard.
"With me getting ready for the Premier League, it was good to play in front of crowds of 60-to-70,000 in every game.
"Hopefully I'll experience more of that this year, so I'll take a bit from that and use it for the rest of the season at Southampton."
To see Jack's full and exclusive interview with Saints Player, click here.
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