KEVIN DAVIES has put career before cash to rejoin Saints in the exchange deal which has taken Egil Ostenstad to Blackburn.

The former Southampton favourite has taken a massive wage cut to rejoin the club where he shot to prominence.

But the England Under-21 striker believes it will be a worthwhile long-term investment if it gets him back on track.

Davies has endured a wretched time at Ewood Park since his £7.25 million move in June of last year. He was badly affected by complications arising from tonsilitis which ruled him out for two months. He started only nine Premiership games and went on as substitute in 12 more, scoring just one goal as Rovers were relegated.

But now he is determined to start afresh even though it means less money.

He said: "I have taken a cut but it is worth it to get back in the Premiership. What price can you put on personal happiness

"Things did not work out well for me at Blackburn because of injuries and illness. It was really freakish and I struggled with it for a long time.

"In fact it has gone on for almost two years since I got injured against Manchester United in January of last year.

"But I feel fine now. I started the first two games of this season for Blackburn so I am fit and raring to go and I'm delighted to be back at The Dell.

"It feels a bit strange because it all happened so quickly. I only found out about it on Monday morning when Brian Kidd pulled me aside and told me what was going on.

"We both realised it was best for me to go. He was interested in Egil and I was not happy there. I gathered a few things together, drove down and it all went through yesterday. Now I can't wait to pull on a red and white shirt again."

The deal suits both clubs. Saints had resigned themselves to losing Ostenstad who would have become a Bosman free agent at the end of the season.

But an exchange deal minimises the loss. With Ostenstad valued at around £4 million, in effect Saints are getting Davies back for little over half the money they got for him.

Blackburn have saved face by announcing Saints could pay up to £1.2 million for Davies on appear-ances but it is a two-way agreement. If Ostenstad plays regularly and Davies doesn't, then Rovers must cough up. The same two-way deal applies to any sell-on percentage.

Saints boss Dave Jones said: "I am delighted to have got Kevin back. This could be a very good deal for us.

"We could have lost Egil for nothing at the end of the season and he could have begun negotiating his move from January 1. This was an opportunity to get a player who is still only 22 and who has something to prove.

"This is a big chance for him and, if our coaching staff can get the best out of him again, then we have a hell of a deal."

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