Wood reveals conversation with Swansea hero ahead of Southampton move

The 22 year old defender consulted with senior players in the Swans and Saints dressing rooms to give himself the best chance of stepping up.

Wood has never played in the top division but managed 71 Championship appearances after coming through at Middlesbrough and moving to Swansea.

The England youth international made his professional debut at just 16 years old but played his best football under boss Russell Martin in Wales.

Martin tried to sign Wood to St Mary's last summer but had a £10million bid knocked back, before landing him for just £3million this month.

Speaking to the Daily Echo ahead of his first Premier League opportunity, Wood said: "It's exciting isn't it, it's a dream really - my first experience of it.

Nathan Wood is looking forward to making his Premier League debut (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I can't wait really for St James' Park, these next few weeks are just about getting as ready as possible really to attack it as best as I can.

"The gaffer explained how the intensity goes up, the concentration level goes up but I have benefitted even speaking from to a few lads at Swans.

"Joe Allen for example, who's been there and done it just the same as Adam Lallana and people like that," Wood explained.

"He said if I do what I can do, I can be a Premier League player comfortably. It's a big help to have people who've been there and done it put your mind at ease.

"You've got to go there and you've got to enjoy it, and I think if I do enjoy it that means I'll be doing well as well - that's the way I see it."

Allen, 34, was promoted from League One to the Premier League with Swansea before departing to join English giants Liverpool in 2014.

He has made 199 Premier League appearances and went on to feature in both the Champions League and Europa League with the Reds.

Wood has been given a warm welcome to Saints by a couple of former teammates, including former Martin aces Ryan Manning and Flynn Downes.

Funny start to first interview with Nathan Wood as we took refuge from Ryan Manning and co putting him off.

Reflective, honest and grateful to Russell Martin returning to sign him three summers in a row.

⛳️ + what golf, Saturday 3pm and 5-a-side all have in common.#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) July 26, 2024

"It's a great club and I've come and I feel like I've settled in quite quickly just because I know a few lads," Wood insisted. 

"Knowing a few lads has helped me make friends with other people as well so I feel like I've settled in really well.

"It's a great club, you can see the mentality of the players that have been here a long time, the staff and everyone - I can only see myself improving.

"Ryan and Flynn especially have helped me big time because they're big characters, so that helps me mix with the other lads and get settled in really well."