Kenwyne Jones is aiming to show Harry Redknapp he does not need to splash out on a new striker.
The Saints boss has made it clear he would still like to bring in a new frontman ahead of the new campaign.
But after hitting a hat-trick in the 3-2 win against Anderlecht on Saturday, Jones is desperate to show he can be the main man up front this season.
And he is more than ready to fight for his place against any new man the manager might bring in.
He said: "We do need to get some more players in because the squad is a bit thin now.
"It does not matter to me whether or not the manager brings in a striker because competition for places is good for any team.
"It was not good to lose the strikers we have done and we will miss them. But we have to move on and it could be an opportunity for me to get in."
The Trinidad and Tobago international has already proved he can handle the Coca-Cola Championship while on loan at Stoke last season and he is supremely confident he can play a starring role for Saints.
He added: "I scored goals on loan for Stoke and sheffield Wednesday last season and I am confident I can carry on.
"Those loan spells did me good and prepared me for this stage and hopefully this will be a big season for me and for Southampton.
"I know from last season that the Championship is a tough league and any team is capable of beating anyone else so we have to get our heads down and work hard to succeed.
"It was good for me to get off to a good start with those goals against Anderlecht and it will give my confidence a boost.
"Confidence is a big thing for a striker. When you feel good then it seems everything you hit goes in."
Jones missed much of pre-season away on international duty with Trinidad and Tobago but he has made a big impact in the 10 days since his return.
He said: "I did not really get a vacation this summer because I was playing games but that has kept me in the groove.
"I have had some training over the past two weeks and it is always good to be playing games."
When he signed Jones was something of a utility player, listed as a midfielder but equally at home in defence.
However he is now firmly settled as a striker after being pushed into attack by Steve Wigley who was the driving force behind the decision to sign the 20-year-old.
Wigley, then director of youth, went out on a limb to ensure the young talent was brought in for a nominal fee from W Connection.
Jones said: "It was always thought I was a defender or a midfielder but I used to play up front when I was at school.
"I played as a striker in a training game soon after I got here and scored four goals and I have been used in attack ever since."