Adam Lallana might not be fully fit just yet, but he would love to play a part against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The first league meeting between Saints and his hometown club for 50 years is a game that the 22 year-old knows all about, and although the hosts this weekend have already beaten the Cherries in the League Cup this season, Bournemouth's start to life in League One means that the visitors should not be taken lightly.

"I think that they're just quietly going about their business," Adam told Saints Player. "They're the underdogs, they're not expected to do well and I think that they're thriving off that. Teams are going down there and perhaps underestimating their ability, so we've got to be careful and give them the respect that they've earned in the early part of the season.

"I live in Bournemouth and I know a few of their players. It's a nice fixture for me that I was looking out for, and they're doing well at the moment, so it'll be nice to get another one over on them. When they played here they did well, they held us for 60 minutes, so we're looking forward to it.

"We haven't won at home yet in the league, so to get that burden off our chest would be good and then we need to start winning more regularly.

"I'll be confident though and I'm sure the other lads are as well, we've beaten them once this season already, so there's no reason why we can't do it again."

The midfielder is still on the comeback trail following the surgery he required to cure a long standing knee problem, but received a boost by being given the all clear to return to the action for brief periods of matches, as he continues to get his fitness back to one hundred per cent.

"I'm definitely ahead of schedule," he affirmed. "The surgeon put me out for about 6-8 weeks so to be back playing and training again inside three weeks is brilliant, and I'm happy with my progress.

"But I haven't really trained all season because even through pre season I was fighting my way through games, so I definitely needed to get it done, and now the knee is the best it's ever felt. I'm just happy to be training every day and getting my fitness back.

"I think I've still got a good two-three weeks of training every day before I get back to my peak, and if I get an opportunity to play or start from the bench then I am available to do that. There aren't many Tuesday games coming up now though so it's vital that I get a good couple of weeks' training in and featuring in games on Saturday.

"I'm not sure if I'm playing yet on Saturday, but I am available, and however much game time I get I'll be happy."