Danny Welbeck has shrugged off his ‘elder statesman' status and said: “I’m still feeling young, fit and healthy.”

Welbeck, who recently turned 30, would love to treat 2,000 fans to his first home goal for Albion when Southampton visit on Monday.

He is being seen as a senior pro with the Seagulls, partly because of his rich experience for his country and in the top flight.

But the former England striker said: “I still feel young. Once I get on the pitch, I’m feeling fitter and stronger as each week passes.

“Looking around the squad, there are a lot of younger members and they may see me as a senior member.

“Obviously I’ve got a lot of experience playing games in the Premier League and at international level, so there are a lot of players that are younger than me.

“Whether they are quicker than me, I’m not too sure about that! Maybe Tariq (Lamptey) a little bit, I’ll let him go.

“But I’m still feeling young, fit and healthy. That’s the most important thing.”

READ MORE: How Welbeck kept his Prem dream alive

Welbeck has suffered injury problems in the past and says those who have supported him will be delighted to see him enjoying his football now.

He added: “Even though it’s really, really hard, you’ve got to be resilient.

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“I’ve got a great group of friends and family around me, they keep me upbeat and they obviously know how much I love playing football.

“So for them to see me not doing that, and for me myself to not be playing, it is really tough.

“But it’s something where I’ve got to challenge myself to get back to where I want to be.”

Danny Welbeck is backing the American Express Shop Small campaign to encourage the nation to support their local small businesses on Small Business Saturday today and beyond. Amex’s Shop Small Offer rewards Cardmembers when they spend in any participating small business across the country from December 5-20. For more information visit americanexpress.co.uk/shopsmall