Southampton midfielder Jack Cork has praised forward Rickie Lambert for his impact at St Mary's Stadium since his arrival at the club.

Lambert has scored 101 goals for the Saints since he joined the club in 2009, and ahead of his side's game with Chelsea on Saturday, Cork has revealed that he would prefer the former Bristol Rovers striker in his team rather than Fernando Torres or Demba Ba.

The 23-year-old told reporters: "Rickie has been different class for us for the last three or four years now.

"For someone of his build, his touch is unbelievable. He is great to have in your team.

"Torres and Ba have scored lots of goals in their career and you do not pay £50m for someone who is not any good. But if you asked me who I would rather have, I would have to say Rickie."

Cork began his career at Chelsea before leaving for Southampton in 2011.