Dan Petrescu is in the Saints squad to face Ipswich tomorrow - but will consider his future in the summer.

Romanian international Petrescu has only started nine games since Glenn Hoddle signed him for £100,000 from Bradford 14 months ago.

And he has not played under Gordon Strachan since making successive appearances as a substitute in the Scotsman's first two games in charge.

Right-back Petrescu, 34, is out of contract in the summer of 2003.

And he said: "It would be fantastic if I could get back into the team. It's not been the best of seasons for me personally and it's going to take an injury for me to get back in because the team is settled at the moment.

"But I'm very happy at Southampton and want to help the club to safety. I've got another year left on my contract at the end of the season and I will sit down and consider things then."

Petrescu has made nine appearances for Saints reserves this season. He added: "I'm training as hard as I can to keep up the match fitness but it's not the same in the reserves.

"It's very hard to motivate yourself when you're not playing first-team football, it's something I'm not used to.

"But I'm happy with the manger and with the club, it's like a family and we all get on well.

"I want to be playing first-team football and want to carry on playing as long as possible but just need that opportunity to get back in the side."