Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has revealed his delight at seeing Southampton prosper this season.
The high-flying Saints are currently fifth in the Premier League and are just a point behind Manchester United, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Lallana, who left Southampton to join the Reds in the summer, admitted that he was pleased to see his former side doing so well, despite them rivalling his current club for a place in the top four.
The ex-Southampton captain told the Liverpool Echo: "Deep down I am delighted to see them doing so well.
"I'm maybe a bit surprised they have consistently kept up the pace with the top four, but credit to them.
"It will help that the pressure is not there. They are the underdogs still and I've been there - it's a good feeling to have, with nothing to lose."
Liverpool travel to Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
