Ings issues strong Southampton pledge despite rumours of giant's interest (original) (raw)
Danny Ings admits he is glad to be back in the thick of the action and will focus his efforts on trying to propel Southampton as high up the table as possible.
The 28-year-old returned from a month on the sidelines to score the second goal as Saints beat Burnley 3-2 on Sunday. It was his ninth goal from 23 appearances in the Premier League this season. The former Liverpool man has struggled with a few niggling injuries in 2020-2021. It is all very different from last season, when the Winchester-born ace featured in every league game, scoring 22 times.
That saw him return to the England side and he notched his first international goal against Wales in October. His prowess in front of goal has seen Ings linked with many top clubs.
And the latest rumours surround the forward possible replacing outbound Sergio Aguero at Manchester City. Tottenham were also named as possible suitors but have since reportedly cooled their interest.
Ings will be out of contract at the end of next season. Therefore Saints are keen to sort out his future sooner rather than later.
It was thought that speculation over his future might affect his performances. But the former Burnley man has made it clear where his priorities lie between now and May 23.
“It’s been quite an interrupted season for me, personally,” he said. “It has been quite difficult for me to get going.
“Now I am back scoring and I want to help the team as much as I can. I have worked so hard during the time I have been out to make sure I come back in the best shape possible and I think that showed during the game.
Ralph Hasenhuttl: Southampton decision-making was fantastic
Ralph Hasenhuttl was very happy to see his Southampton side come back from 2-0 down against Burnley to get the three points.
“Team goals come before personal goals in my opinion – so more results like this one would be fantastic.”
Boss expects Ings to stay
Ralph Hasenhuttl has always maintained that Ings’ dip in form this term is not down to transfer speculation. He is a big fan of the striker and wants him to remain at St Mary’s.
The Austrian tactician is aware of rumours surrounding his player but doubts the validity of many of the claims.
“For Ingsy, he had a fantastic season this season but since then he has had a few injury problems without scoring too much, but he is still a very good striker,” he said.
“He has one more year on his contract. This will be an interesting situation for him, if a big club wants him, it is always difficult for us to keep a player like that but I do not see this scenario in the summer, if I am honest.”