Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has assured Rickie Lambert that new signing Pablo Osvaldo will not threaten his place in the side.

The Saints signed the Italy international at the weekend for a reported £15m.

There were fears that his arrival would signal the end of Lambert's role as the main striker but the Southampton manager sees no reason why they can not play together.

"Rickie has shown time and again that he is a very important player for us," The Mirror quotes Pochettino as saying.

"He welcomes the fact that Osvaldo is here as it will help him raise his game. I think they'll find it easy to play together.

"All great players know how to get along on the pitch, regardless of the characteristics they have."

Southampton's next game is at home to Sunderland on Saturday.