Lambert focused on football after fairytale switch

Rickie Lambert is concentrating solely on matters on the pitch after his dream transfer from Southampton to Liverpool.

The 32-year-old – a boyhood Liverpool fan and former Anfield trainee – completed a move to Brendan Rodgers’ side in June for an undisclosed fee.

Much was made of the fairytale story for Lambert, who made his way from League One to the Premier League with Southampton, scoring 105 league goals in five seasons at St Mary’s Stadium.

That form prompted a call up to the England squad for the World Cup as well as a bid from Liverpool, but Lambert is now keen to focus his attention on performing well for his new employers, rather than focusing on the past.

“It’s gone,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “I’m thinking about training sessions now and trying to do my best to get fit.

“Obviously I’m still made up to be here but it’s gone. It’s about knuckling down now and doing my best.

“I went back early so I met the lads that I hadn’t met before and was around them for a week before the England lads and other internationals came back.

“I’ve been here for four weeks and I feel at home. My family are settled and already in a house, so I don’t need to worry about them – I can just concentrate on football.”