Morgan Schneiderlin Focused on Southampton Following Tottenham Hotspur Links

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin remains committed to the cause on the south coast despite missing out on a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window.

The France international attempted to force through a move to White Hart Lane during the summer, with Saints manager Ronald Koeman admitting the player was making life "difficult".

Schneiderlin has since helped Southampton record two wins from their opening four games, including the weekend's 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United, and has already managed three goals - including the opener on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is relishing a new lease of life at St Mary's and admits thoughts of a move to Tottenham are now a distant memory.

"I'm fully focused on Southampton," he told the club's official website. "Sometimes in life you have to make choices, and I'm staying here and I'm playing well. Now it's down to myself to improve my game again and be even better this season.

"I'm enjoying that role where I can get on the ball and control the tempo of the game, so that's good for me and I enjoy it very much. I just do my best for the team.

"There were questions about why the club was selling players, but you can see that they brought in some quality players and you can argue now that the team is better than last year.

"We still have some things to correct to get even better, but that will come with training this season and from the way that we've played in the last two games."

The departure of six high-profile players as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino – who joined Tottenham - ripped the heart from a Southampton team which finished eighth in the Premier League last season.

Schneiderlin was keen on becoming the final exit late in the transfer window, as Tottenham circled, but now he is set to play a critical part in the club's fortunes this season.