SAINTS striker Dom Ballard insisted the pressure of scoring vital League One goals was one of the biggest draws to a loan at Cambridge United.

The 19 year old secured his second loan spell of the campaign this week, having featured 22 times and scoring once whilst at third tier Blackpool.

Since returning to the club this month, Ballard has been in fine form for the under-21s, recording four goals and two assists in two Premier League 2 games.

He now moves to Abbey Stadium with Garry Monk's side 22nd in the division and six points adrift of safety with 20 matches still to play.

"I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully, I can come in with some of the other boys and really make a difference to the team," said Ballard.

"I don't think the performances of Cambridge have granted where they are in the league. Hopefully, I can score a few goals and change that.

"Obviously, the gaffer I got along really well. He said, 'We're in need of a goalscorer and a hero,' to get us out of the relegation zone.

"That appealed to me. I wanted to come here and enjoy my football, score some goals, get that buzz back and hopefully be a hero.

"Some of the other options I had would have been a bit more challenging in terms of trying to find a way in the team and having to play a different position."

Ballard is yet to regularly find the net as a senior player after scoring on his Saints debut at just 17 years old in August 2022 - at Cambridge.

The England youth international also netted at Abbey Stadium for Blackpool and will look to transfer his nearly goal-a-game form from academy football.

"I've always been told pressure makes diamonds. So with that pressure, hopefully I can come through and score a few goals," said Ballard.

"I think goals for Cambridge would mean a lot more in the situation we're in, which is what I need to learn in my career now - so it's the perfect place to be.

"The Abbey probably shares two of the most important footballing moments for me. It's definitely the Southampton one because it was my debut at 17.

"When I came here at the start of the year for Blackpool, I sort of had that feeling of, I know I've scored here, I can do it here again.

"That played a part in me coming here as well, in terms of enjoying it. It was a place I loved because of that moment. Hopefully, I can do it for the home team now."

On signing Ballard, Monk said: "I am delighted to welcome Dom to the club. He has been one of our primary targets throughout the month.

"To get him through the door is very pleasing. He is a talented young striker and is ready to make an impact on the team.”

A Saints statement added: "The club would like to wish Dom well for the remainder of the season and looks forward to monitoring his progress."