Rickie Lambert's 7 Best Goals of His Career

The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for Rickie Lambert.

The 31-year-old striker, who shined in the lower leagues for years, finally broke through on the international stage. Lambert scored with his first touch of the ball after coming on as a sub, heading in the winning goal against Scotland. 

Lambert followed up his moment of glory for England with a more important goal, a match-winning penalty against West Bromwich Albion in Southampton's 1-0 season-opening win.

During his long road to the top, Lambert has scored 220 goals in all competitions for Blackpool, Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale, Bristol Rovers and Southampton. Hers is a look at seven of his best.

7) Header for England vs. Scotland

On its own, Rickie Lambert's goal against Scotland doesn't necessarily stand out.

But consider the circumstances. Lambert was making his England national team debut, mainly because other choices such as Andy Carroll and Daniel Sturridge were unavailable. It was very possible that this would be his only chance to impress Roy Hodgson while wearing an England uniform.

And impress Hodgson he did.      

Lambert timed his run into space perfectly, heading the ball while he was at the highest point of his leap. The power of the header took the ball past Scottish keeper Allan McGregor almost before he had time to react.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

6) Free Kick for Southampton vs. Chelsea

While Rickie Lambert is renowned for his skill from the penalty spot, only missing once in his career, the Liverpool native can hit a wicked free kick too.

Petr Cech and Chelsea found that out the hard way last March.

After being fouled 30 yards from goal, Lambert got up and calmly struck this curling effort—shown in the video above—over the Chelsea wall and past the reach of Cech. The goal would prove to be the winner in Southampton's 2-1 victory over the Blues at St. Mary's Stadium.

5) Header for Southampton vs. Manchester United

Premier League fans caught an immediate glimpse of Lambert's aerial prowess last season in an early September match against Manchester United.

Jason Puncheon's cross initially didn't look that threatening, as both Rio Ferdinand and Rafael looked to have it covered. Little did Rafael know that Lambert was about to take flight, towering over the young defender who simply could not deal with the strength of the Saints forward.

Lambert won the ball convincingly, heading the ball past Anders Lindegaard to give Southampton a shock 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately for Saints fans, Manchester United would rally to win the game 3-2 through the exploits of Robin van Persie.

4) Header and Chip for Southampton vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

To go directly to the goal, click here.

Lambert's greatness was on display long before his Premier League dreams were close to becoming a reality. 

Back when Southampton was languishing in League One, Lambert was crafting goals that were reminiscent of another Saints No. 7.

In this goal against Dag & Red, Lambert controls a long ball with a header into space. The Dagger defender does a great job to recover and put Lambert under pressure, forcing him away from goal.

That doesn't stop Lambert, as he coolly manages to chip the ball over the defender and onrushing goalkeeper with the inside of his foot from a terrible angle.

3) Volley from Distance for Macclesfield Town vs. Luton Town

To go directly to the goal, click here.

Long before Lambert got to Southampton, he was terrorizing opposing teams in the lower leagues with his goal-scoring ability.

In his teenage years, Lambert found himself at Macclesfield Town after being released by Blackpool. His ball control skills were evident even at the young age he was in the above video.

Lambert's second goal of the match shows him taking a ball of his chest then firing a slicing volley past a floundering Luton Town keeper. The goal celebration from his teammates show how impressed they were with the effort.

Lambert would complete his first career hat trick in this match (although it is slightly dubious), in a 4-1 victory over the Hatters.

"He's only a young man, but what a future," the broadcaster says after the goal. It took a while to get there, but how right he was.

2) Half-Volley for Bristol Rovers vs. Swindon

It's hard to get much lower in professional football than playing in League Two, but that's where Rickie Lambert found himself when he scored this goal against Swindon.

Lambert takes a knockdown header from a teammate and controls the ball with the sole of his foot. While the ball is still bouncing, Lambert unleashes a half-volley from 35 yards into the upper corner that leaves the Swindon keeper helpless.

1) Volley for Southampton vs. MK Dons

To go directly to the goal, click here.

If you watch the interview after the goal, it pretty much sums up Rickie Lambert in a nutshell.

Lambert thought the the goal was pretty easy and not a big deal. But the skill in the goal is remarkable. 

The Saints striker controls a 70-yard goal kick from Kelvin Davis with his chest, while turning toward goal. The ball takes one bounce before Lambert blasts a lob from 45 yards out over a helpless Willy Gueret.

The goal sealed his hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over the Dons, his first hat trick for Southampton.