The Shirt With: Southampton Striker Danny Ings

SOUTHAMPTON, England- Southampton FC forward, Danny Ings, cherishes his first English Premier League ( EPL) goal for the club that he scored in August upon joining the team on loan from Liverpool FC this season.

The priceless moment came in the 54th minute against Everton FC away at Goodison Park. The hosts won the match but the nostalgic memory of  finding the back of the net in his debut is still fresh in Ings’ mind.

 “I remember it was a nice corner, Mario(Lemina) flicked it at the near post, I found myself some room in the box and tapped it home,” Ings recollects.

“The celebration after was pure emotion, it was basically getting off the mark and getting the team back in the game.

“Sometimes, its difficult to get a first goal when strikers sign for new clubs. It felt really good to get it so quickly,” underlined Ings who was speaking to ‘The Shirt’, an ongoing exclusive series on SportPesa online and social media platforms.

It involves engaging players in partner clubs of the leading bookmakers, Everton FC, Southampton FC, Torino FC and the Tigers on what it means to pull on the team jersey in making every opportunity given to them count.

Own  reputation

What has motivated the 26 year-old England international to work extra hard at his new base is the jersey number nine that he has been entrusted with at Southampton.

“You know, I think anyone who takes the number automatically gives themselves that pressure, but it’s an opportunity that I have been craving for a long period of time,” he underlined.

Ings who has had stints with EPL sides Burnley FC, AFC Bournemouth and Dorchester Town (England’s Southern League Premier Division ) says he grew up supporting his current club.

“Coming here meant a lot to me. I knew that hopefully one day in my career I would come back to play for Southampton,” he highlighted.

Among those who were  excited when he was loaned by Liverpool to his current team are his family members who also attended the first game to see him put on the club’s red and white striped shirt.

“It really gives me great pleasure to play in front of my family. It also brings me closer to the fans and the reception I got from the supporters here on my first apperance was amazing,”  he stated.  

“I want to build my own reputation here with the club and with the fans. I feel like I got a lot to prove and I'm looking forward to the journey ahead,” he undercsored.

DANNY INGS: THE STATS

Appearances: 60

Goals: 18

Goals per match: 0.30

Headed goals: 5

Goals with right foot: 8

Goals with left foot: 5

Penalties scored: 3

Free kicks scored: 0

Shots: 147

Shots on target: 56

Shooting accuracy: 38 per cent

Hit woodwork: 4

Big chances missed: 13

Assists: 5

Passes: 1,058

Passes per match: 17.63

Big chances created: 8

Crosses: 62

Tackles: 53

Blocked shots: 32

Interceptions: 25

Clearances: 16

Headed Clearance: 9