Young striker Michael Obafemi has been discussing his appreciation for the senior players in the Southampton dressing room, following the signing of a new three-and-a-half-year deal at the club.
Explaining the influence they've had on his recent development, the 18-year-old describes just how valuable it is to have strong mentors and role models for guidance on the pitch.
He also touches upon his aims and aspirations for the future, having made a breakthrough in Ireland's national set-up, as well as entering Saints' first-team picture, and reveals his desire to keep learning and improving along the way.
"All the players in the dressing room have helped me get to where I am," Obafemi said with gratitude. "They speak to me daily.
"It's so helpful as a young player to get advice - they've been where I am now. They interact with you, and aren't shy to get involved.
"It's helped me grow into a man and become a proper professional," the teenager continued.
"Being around the older lads, you realise just how difficult it is to make it as a player in the Premier League. So I'm thankful to them for any advice.
"100 per cent, there's plenty of belief going around the dressing room. One of my short-term aims is to get more minutes and get back into the starting line-up. I want to give it everything I've got.
"Obviously the aim is for us to stay in the Premier League, and continue to be a Premier League club and I hope to score as many goals as I can in that time.
"Beyond that, I want to help Ireland qualify for the 2022 World Cup. I'm excited about being with them – there's international games coming up in March and I want to show the Ireland fans what I can do as well."
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