VICTOR Wanyama believes he will take another step forward in his game this season - and is confident the team will also improve on last term's record-breaking campaign.

The mighty Kenyan was an immense presence in the side during 2014/15, as Saints finished seventh in the Premier League and secured a European spot.

With the loss of his defensive midfield partner Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United this summer, Wanyama is likely to be an even more integral part of the team this time around, and he feels ready to rise to the challenge.

"I think last season I did well, personally I did well and the team also did well, so come this season I know our fans will demand even more, so we are ready to show what we can do, and personally also improve my game from last season," he said.

"I’m very confident we will do better, and personally I’ll have a better season this season, because now I know every season I always progress and hopefully this season it will be even much better."

While Wanyama admits the departure of Schneiderlin was a significant loss, he believes the team have already shown they can overcome his absence.

“I know Morgan was good and also was key to our team, but now also we have to move on and I think we still have a great team and we have shown it [against Newcastle] that we can play without him," he said.

"I think personally also I’m important to the team, not only this season, also last season I was important to the team, and coming to this season everyone is important and, as I said, everyone is ready to build on from last season’s performance.

“I think me and him we understood each other when he was here and it was easy for us to play together, but now he’s not here, now I have to move on, I have to get on and play the same way I did last season, get used to also my teammates, playing without Morgan."

Wanyama believes that the arrival of Jordy Clasie, from Feyenoord, to help offset Schneiderlin's loss was a shrewd signing.

“I think he’s a good player and I think the Premiership is different and he’s learning quickly and I think he’s a perfect fit for us," he said.

Wanyama has become an increasingly popular figure among the club's fans since his £12.5m move from Celtic in 2013, and they have been showing their appreciation for him so far this season with a new song to the tune of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'.

“I think it’s a great song," said the 24-year-old.