New Southampton striker Charlie Austin has told Southampton’s website that his aim for this season is to establish himself as a Premier League player.

Austin scored a superb 18 goals in the Premier League last season for QPR as they got relegated. Yet, there are still fans who hold a question mark over his head as they ponder whether he was a one-season wonder.

The Englishman does have ten goals from just 16 appearances in the Championship this season so his form has not been damaged since last season in any way shape or form. It is now a matter of Austin settling in at Southampton and being able to score goals in the English top-flight.

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images Sport

I think it’s important as a centre forward to be established in any league you play, and to play in the Premier League is massive.

I had one season and then went back to the Championship, but now it’s important for me to establish myself in the Premier League.

I got 18 goals during my first season and I just want to push on from that now.

Austin says that he feels he has made the grade in the Premier League and now his aim is to score as many goals as he can for Southampton and push on from there.

I think I proved myself the first time round.

People always ask if a player can make the grade. I feel like I’ve set my standard now with that year at QPR.

Now I just need to bring that to Southampton and take it to the next level.

I think any professional would [thrive under the pressure], because they know what they’ve reached before and they want to get back to those heights.

I don’t really set any targets. I just try to score as many times as I can every time I step across the white line.