MOHAMED Elyounoussi admitted he needs more time to adapt to the Premier League and that he has no intention of leaving.

The winger joined Saints last summer as a replacement for Dusan Tadic but has struggled to cement a spot in the starting XI.

And the Norwegian international has put that down to numerous injuries he’s suffered this season.

Elyounoussi said: “I choose to look at this as a challenge. At some point, I had to get a drop. I’ve never been injured earlier in my career, in Southampton I have experienced several injuries.

“But I have to try to find positive things every day, thinking that I can grow on the adversity, and fight my way back into the team. I’m quite honest when I say it’s like that.

“They see that I have skills and am an important player for the club. But I need more time to develop and take the physical level required in the Premier League.”

Elyounoussi, 24, has managed just 18 Saints appearances since his £16m move from Basel.

His last start came back in January during the FA Cup third round replay against Derby, which Saints lost on penalties following on from extra time.

Despite finding it difficult to force his way into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans, Elyounoussi revealed he has no intentions of leaving the club.

When questioned about his future, the Saints winger added: “It’s not a topic for me at all. I’ll stand here, I’ll show what I can do, I’ll turn this around,”