Lambert to fight for his place

Rickie Lambert vowed not to take his Southampton axing lying down after coming off the bench to score just four minutes into his Barclays Premier League debut at Manchester City.

After spending his entire career starring in the lower leagues, Sunday's opening match of the season was Lambert's first chance to test himself in the top flight. But Saints boss Nigel Adkins sprang a surprise when he left out the club's top scorer for the past three seasons.

Lambert said: "I was disappointed not to start. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't, but there's no sulking between the lads it's just a case of being ready for when you get your chance and that's what I've done. I was on the bench and I was just desperate to get my chance."

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