SIGNING Joe Rothwell admitted former teammate Adam Armstrong had been "on the phone most days" asking for a transfer update.

The pair are good friends after playing at Blackburn Rovers together before their respective moves to AFC Bournemouth and Saints.

They will line up on the same side again after the 29 year old Cherries midfielder completed a loan to Saints until the end of the season. 

Rothwell has over 150 matches of Championship experience and bolsters the options of manager Russell Martin. 

"I’ve had a few chats with them,” said Rothwell, including Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was also a Rovers teammate. 

“Probably more so with Arma. He’s been on the phone most days asking what the update was and I didn’t have much to tell him!

“But it’s always nice, when you’re walking into a new place, to have a few familiar faces. Hopefully, it will make it an easier transition.”

He added: “(Getting game-time) is massive. It’s been a frustrating few months. I’ve not played or had the minutes I would’ve liked.”

“I’d be lying if I said the location didn’t help too. Obviously, it wasn’t the main factor in coming here, but it played a massive part.

“I don’t have to up roots. I can leave my wife and kids at home and I can still live there and travel in every day, so it’s perfect really.”

Rothwell continued: "I’m over the moon. It’s been a tough couple of weeks trying to get it over the line.

"Thankfully we’re here now and I can’t wait to get going. There’s been rumblings for quite a few weeks.

“When my position was made clear at Bournemouth, it was something I really wanted to explore.

“After speaking with the manager, it was something I really wanted to be part of. I can’t wait to get going now.”