Alan Pardew admitted he would have signed no other player with David Connolly’s injury record after the striker made it two goals from two League One sub appearances for in-form Saints.

Connolly was out for virtually 18 months with persistent groin injuries before being released by Sunderland at the end of last season.

He worked hard during a three-week spell at Saints to prove his fitness and was handed a chance he may not have got elsewhere by Pardew.

The Saints manager, who worked with Connolly at West Ham, believed the player could recapture his brilliant best form.

And so far it seems like the signing of the season as Connolly came off the bench as a second half sub for the second time for Saints – and scored his second goal in a 3-1 win over MK Dons which made it five wins on the trot for Pardew’s men.

His delighted manager said: “Any other player there was no way I would sign him having been out of the game for 18 months.

“It’s only the fact I know the character of the player and the diligence and the work he’s put in to get back.

“I trusted that he would come back pretty well near what he went out at.

“The standards he has in himself are such that if they’re not right he’ll walk away – that’s how it is.

“He’s shown me and the fans here that he’s very much looking like a good player for us."

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Injury update

David Connolly required treatment for an awkward fall on his elbow.

Saints initially decided to take him to hospital for an x-ray but then decided it was not as serious as first feared and they opted to heavily ice it instead.

He will be checked over by the club’s medical staff again today to try and ensure he is available for Saturday’s game at Leyton Orient.