Southampton 'perfect place' for Danny Ings says Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes believes Southampton is the "perfect" place for deadline-day signing Danny Ings to resurrect his injury-hit career.

Striker Ings has been restricted to just six Premier League starts in three years following two serious knee injuries.

Manager Hughes feels the boyhood Saints fan has a point to prove on the south coast after completing a season-long loan switch from Liverpool which will be made permanent for £16million next summer.

"We got to the point where it was a win-win situation for both clubs and, more importantly, for Danny as well because he's come to a club he's clearly got a lot of affection for and maybe a point to prove," said Hughes.

"We're the perfect club for him at this point in his career.

"I think whenever you have a player who has a real feeling for the club that he's playing for and a special connection and an empathy, I think that makes a difference.

"I think fans respond to that as well. I would imagine the first time Danny walks out in a Southampton kit there's going to be a huge reception for him."

Hampshire-born Ings completed his move just before the transfer window closed on Thursday after flying down from Merseyside.

The 26-year-old, rejected by Saints at the age of 10 for being too small, is itching to make his debut against former club Burnley on Sunday.