Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone says he has "grown up a lot" following his loan spell at Stoke.
The 23-year-old spent all of last season with the Potters in the Championship and believes his experience in the second tier will be invaluable to Saints.
"I learned that the Championship is a tough long season with a lot of good sides," he told BBC Radio Solent.
"Durability is important because every game will be different from the last."
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Smallbone made more than 40 appearances and scored three goals for Stoke last season and became a key member of Alex Neil's side as they finished 16th in the Championship.