Charlie Austin has been out injured since the end of December

Charlie Austin is eagerly awaiting a return to action to help Southampton in their relegation fight having re-joined first-team training following a "frustrating" injury lay-off.

The Saints striker has been out for three months after tearing his hamstring against Huddersfield at the end of December.

Southampton have won just once in the Premier League during Austin's absence and have slipped into the relegation zone, leading to Mauricio Pellegrino being replaced as manager by Mark Hughes.

Austin, who scored five goals in seven games before the injury, is hopeful of regaining his top form before the end of the season.

Austin celebrates scoring in the draw against Huddersfield

He told the Saints' official club website: "It's been a frustrating time. It wasn't like being out for two weeks, it's been 14 weeks now.

"I was in such good form and that was the hard thing, because I'd had to bide my time for ages to get in. Whilst that was going on, as a team we were underperforming and that's why we're in the situation we are.

"Now I'm back, we've got a big eight weeks and I'll put all my energy into helping the team drive forward to stay in the Premier League.

"It's good to have that light at the end of the tunnel and this is the last tick in the box. It's great to be back with the lads."

Austin praised new Southampton boss Mark Hughes for bringing fresh ideas

New boss Hughes has eight games to save the Saints from the drop and Austin says he is up for the fight.

"You've got to embrace it, as men and as footballers," he said. "We're under a lot of pressure at the moment, don't get me wrong, but we need to push forward.

"I feel there's enough character, talent and work ethic, and with the new coaching staff coming in with new ideas, it's going to really help us."