Saints have moved to ease their defensive injury crisis by signing Chris Perry on loan from Luton.

The 34-year-old centre half brings with him a wealth of experience and provides much needed cover in a position where Saints currently only have Darren Powell and Wayne Thomas available.

Perry made his name at Wimbledon where he started his career in 1991 before a £4m move to Tottenham.

He later went on to play for Charlton and West Brom where he worked with Pearson.

Perry was part of the West Brom side that lost in the playoff final to Derby at Wembley last May.

He was then released and joined Luton in the summer.

He has made 31 starts this season and boasts just short of 500 career appearances.

Saints boss Nigel Pearson said: "Chris is a tough campaigner and a good pro who has played at the top level.

"He will give us greater strength and further options and I am delighted he is joining us."