FORMER Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster insists his switch to Southampton was not related to ambitions of usurping Joe Hart as England's No.1, but instead more about the chance to try his hand at top-flight football in his homeland.

"For me, it's important to come down and play Premier League football," the £10million signing said. "Just to come and do as well as I can for Southampton, first and foremost.

"I felt it was the right time and it was a fantastic opportunity and one that I could never have turned down."

Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw may have left Southampton in the summer, but Forster credits the England trio for helping him take up the chance to move to St Mary's.

"It's a fantastic club to play for and everyone said that," he said.

"I spoke to Adam Lallana quite a lot in the summer and as soon as the opportunity arose he was very complimentary about the club and said I'd love it.

"I'm delighted that was the choice I made. It's important that I play well week by week and see where it takes me."

He went on: "I can't speak highly enough of the England boys who were here last season and they have not got a bad word to say about the place.

"They will be the first ones to say what a fantastic club it is to play for."

Ronald Koeman's men sit second in the Barclays Premier League, with the Dutchman making light work of blending in eight summer acquisitions.

"The atmosphere in the training room is something really special," Forster said. "There is a real kind of togetherness. Everyone is a great lad.

"As soon as you walk in the door you're made to feel really welcome, that is key when you come to a new club, everyone helps you settle.

"It's been a great start, but it's only a start and it's important we keep moving forward."