Southampton manager Nigel Adkins thrilled by Adam Lallana England call-up

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins was delighted to see captain Adam Lallana recognised by England this week.

The 24-year-old became the latest Saints academy graduate to link up with the senior team after getting the call from Roy Hodgson for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine following a spate of withdrawals.

Lallana follows the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott into the national fold and, while he did not get on the pitch, Adkins believes the move only bodes well for both the player and club.

"He is at a good age now of 24 and that is why he has got the captain's armband here at Southampton," Adkins said today, speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal.

"He has got that maturity about him and he has played his games. His standard in training is outstanding every day.

"His performances on the pitch get the supporters on their feet. They love watching him.

"He is a talented, talented football player and he deservedly got the opportunity the other night.

"And, all being well, now he is performing in the Barclays Premier League, people can see his talents week in, week out and people can be a little bit more aware of the qualities and abilities of Adam Lallana.

"I think it fantastic when we talk about Southampton having players going to Uruguay, Africa, Japan and all around the world [on international duty].

"And we have got somebody in the senior set-up of England, which is fantastic.

"We had someone away with the [England] Under-21s, someone away with the Under-19s as well and it is just great that Southampton Football Club have now got players in the senior national teams around the globe."

However, it has not all been positive for Southampton this week as Guly do Prado hit the headlines for the wrong reasons.

The 30-year-old was banned from the road for a year and fined £2,500 after admitting drink-driving in the early hours of August 27 in Southampton.

Asked what action has been taken against do Prado, Adkins said: "That has all been dealt with in-house.

"We obviously view the matter very strongly. We've got a high level of discipline here at Southampton.

"The players are all well aware of the role model status that they have and obviously we've dealt with that in-house straight away.

"He understands and all the players are well aware and Guly knows not to do anything detrimental to the club, the team or yourself.

"You face the consequences of your actions and he certainly felt the consequences of his action within the football club, likewise in the public domain."

Adkins did not reveal whether Do Prado would be involved in Southampton's trip to Arsenal, where new signings Maya Yoshida and Gaston Ramirez could be involved for the first time.

The pair were signed late in the transfer window and, while that has now closed, talk has already turned to whether Saints would be tempted to bring in any more new faces.

Premier League clubs are allowed to acquire free agents after the window closes - which is something Adkins would not rule out.

"What we've got to do is quickly get the players we've got to become a group," he said.

"There was mass speculation on the transfer window shutting and then it shuts and within a few hours the phone is going again.

"(People say) 'Oh, this player is now a free agent, do you want him?' - this, that and the other. It is never-ending.

"I think the important thing is you can't underestimate the value of team spirit. Winning teams have great team spirit but likewise you've got to keep improving all the time."

PA