Southampton's Dan Harding is relishing his side's opening Championship fixture against Leeds United on Saturday.

The 27-year-old spent one season with the Yorkshire club in 2005 before spells with Ipswich Town, Southend United and Reading.

"We believe we will be able to compete against the best teams in this league, and Leeds United will provide the yardstick as to how far we've come," Harding told the club's official website.

"This is a big game against one of the biggest teams in the Championship and although we know it's going to be tough, it's what we're here for, what we've been striving for, for the last two seasons."

The Saints finished second in League One last season, earning promotion to the Championship.