Andrew Davies has completed his £1m move from Middlesbrough in time to return to the Saints defence against Scunthorpe.

Davies's three-month loan from Middlesbrough expired on New Year's Day but George Burley is delighted to make the central defender's move permanent.

The Saints boss said: "We've lost some excellent young players in the last year or so so it's important for the club we build for the future and Andrew is a top defender.

"He wants to defend, which is difficult to find in this day and age, and he reads the game very well.

"In the short time he's been here he's got better and better.

"He's played as a left-sided centre half and adapted and has great spring - he's very good in the air and brave in both boxes.

"He's also a very good trainer, he wants to do things well and work at his game and improve so he's a great acquisition."