VIRGIL van Dijk admitted it was a dream come true to score his first goal for Saints and confessed that he’s feeling right at home at St Mary’s.

The Dutch defender, who signed from Celtic on transfer deadline day for a fee that could rise to £13m, polished off a superb training-ground manoeuvre from James Ward-Prowse’s corner to put Ronald Koeman’s side ahead early on in the 3-1 win over Swansea.

Van Dijk burst forward – leaving ex-Saint Jack Cork and another defender in his wake – before planting a near-post header in the net.

“It’s a dream come true to score in the Premier League and scoring is an amazing feeling and in the end it’s a very important win,” said Van Dijk.

“We needed to win and we got it as well and we deserved it as well.”

The 24-year-old, who is the most expensive defender in Saints history, has only made four appearances for the club but is loving every minute on the south coast.

“You talk a lot with each-other, so the team spirit is very good and I think that’s the base of a good team,” the softly spoken defender said.

“I’ve been very welcome since the day I arrive, it’s been an amazing place to be. The feeling I have right now is very good and I’m very satisfied that I made this step.”

Swapping the Scottish Leagues for the Premier League is something Van Dijk is getting used to, but the transition has certainly been smooth so far and is working hard to continue his integration into Koeman’s side.

“The most important thing is to get used to the tempo,” he said. “Get the style of play of the team, get to know your team-mates a lot better than now.

“It takes a bit of time, it feels already like I’ve been here for months and that’s a good thing for the team.”

Van Dijk had also tried his hand at taking free-kicks, taking one against Swansea and clipping the bar in the 6-0 win over MK Dons in the Capital One Cup with a powerful effort.

He said: “I will keep practicing.

“I know I can hit them, but there’s also a bit of luck with it.”