Rickie Lambert: 'I owe my career to Alan Pardew'

Southampton striker Rickie Lambert has expressed his gratitude to former coach Alan Pardew for providing him with the "kick" necessary to forge a successful career in football.

The 31-year-old arrived at St Mary's for £1m from Bristol Rovers under Pardew's tutelage with the Saints in 2009, before playing a pivotal role in helping the club ascend through the divisions and establish themselves in the Premier League, culminating in earning a call-up to the England set-up.

The duo are poised for a reunion this afternoon as Lambert faces his ex-manager in the visit to Newcastle United but, despite being the opposition today, the striker claims that he is forever indebted to the 52-year-old for shaping his career.

"Looking back, I was one of the unfittest professional footballers you will ever see," the forward told The Independent.

"He did do a lot for my career. He gave me the kick that I needed. I'll always be grateful for what he did.

"I learned at every step but when I came to Southampton my all-round game just improved massively."

Lambert has netted over 100 times for the club during his four-year stay in the South Coast.

Today's clash at St James's Park is scheduled to kick off at 3pm.