Trond Soltvedt has knocked back speculation of a possible return to Norway by vowing to stay at The Dell and battle to regain his place.

Newspaper reports have suggested the Saints midfielder might be about to join Viking Stavanger after failing to win a starting spot since Glenn Hoddle took over as manager.

The claims surfaced after the Norwegian's own web-site revealed he is unhappy at being out of the team.

But Soltvedt, signed in August from Coventry for a bargain £200,000, said: "No player is happy not to be in the side but that does not mean I want to leave.

"I have two years left and I still want to play for Southampton. I will just keep battling and do my best to get back in the side.

"I have not had a chance to start yet so I had a chat with the manager to find out what plans he has for me but there is nothing in it and that will remain private.

"I am not the sort to say anything about anyone or go running to the papers. I don't want to rock the boat.

"At 33 I am experienced enough to handle this. I will just make sure I do as well as I can in training and keep my head up and wait for my chance. Then I will do my best to take it."

For his part Hoddle is not currently anticipating any major transfer activity at The Dell ahead of Thursday's deadline.

He said: "We have an option to let one out on loan which we are thinking about but there is no money to bring anyone in."

Likely targets to go out could be striker Shayne Bradley for experience or centre-back Richard Dryden with a view to a permanent move. Stoke and West Brom are rumoured to be interested.

Meanwhile Hoddle laughed off a national newspaper claim that he is set to join Celtic during the summer. He shook his head in bewilderment and said: "It was in the Daily Star and that says it all!"

The home games against Sunderland, Watford and Manchester United are now complete sell-outs but there are still some tickets on general sale at £25 for Saturday's trip to Chelsea.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.