Daily Echo:

SAINTS have handed a new two-year contract to striker Ryan Seager, who has been immediately sent on loan to League One side MK Dons for the season.

The 21-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while on loan at Crewe in February 2016, but returned from injury last season and has now earned a new deal.

"When I got the news I was going to sign a new contract, I was very happy," Seager said on his new deal.

"I’ve been here since I was about 7 or 8 years old so there was never any questions about me signing really.

"The medical staff were great with me last season in helping me get back fit and this has given me the confidence that they still believe in me and they know I can get back to what I was doing before."

Seager is now ready to make an impact at MK Dons.

"I’m really happy with that. I had a brief loan spell at Crewe before but this time I feel like I’m more prepared and more ready for it," he said.

"I went there a few days ago to meet him and we got on really well. The philosophy he wants to play with suits my style of play so I can’t wait to start working with him."

Vice chairman (Football) Les Reed said: "Ryan has made good progress with us from a young age and made an impact for the under-23s when he returned from injury last season.

"We’re pleased that he has extended his stay with us and the move to MK Dons is an opportunity to gain experience at a League One club with ambitions of competing for promotion.

"As with all of our loan players, we will be keeping tabs on his progress throughout the campaign and we wish him well."