PAUL TELFER last night became the 14th senior player to leave Saints since the end of last season.

The former Scottish international - who will be 34 in October - has joined up again with Gordon Strachan to become his sixth Celtic signing for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

But a delay in travelling to Glasgow, due to events in London earlier in the day, meant Telfer faced a race to sign in time to be eligible for next week's European Champions League qualifier.

Saints might be about to lose a 15th player as French winger Leandre Griffit - who is out of favour at St Mary's despite scoring on his debut under Strachan in October 2003 against Blackburn - is on trial with Le Mans.

Strachan confirmed that Telfer had signed a two-year contract after last night's 2-2 friendly draw with Sporting Lisbon at Parkhead.

The move represented a major U-turn by Strachan, who had said last week that a move for Saints players "was not on the agenda right now" after dropping his interest in Antti Niemi.

And it seemed that Telfer would be staying at Saints when Strachan signed Brighton right-back Adam Virgo earlier this week.

But Virgo and Didier Agathe are sidelined for a month through injury and young right-back Gary Irvine was injured during Tuesday's friendly draw at Leicester.

Telfer was one of Strachan's first signings as Saints boss in October 2001, bringing his former Coventry colleague to St Mary's on a free transfer.

Strachan has always been a huge fan of Telfer's work ethic and said: "If Paul Telfer had a fitness test then I would guarantee that he will win it.

"The guy has been playing a long time. We have tried to bring in young players but they cost money and like Adam (Virgo) he brings many options.

"They can play in many positions and that's what we need. This is a small squad and we need more quality, but those players can play in various positions."

Telfer, who began his career at Luton, was capped by Scotland at under-21 and B level before making his sole senior appearance for his country against France five years ago.

He is likely to make his Celtic debut in Sunday's friendly against Leeds United at Parkhead.