DAVID Connolly has agreed a new one-year deal with Saints.

The 33-year-old striker was due to be out of contract this summer.

He told the Daily Echo last month that he was keen to remain at the club, and his wish has now been granted, after the two parties negotiated a one-year extension.

Connolly has agreed terms and will now make the leap back to the Championship with Saints.

The Republic of Ireland international’s new deal is partly reward for the key role he played in the club’s promotion from League One.

Connolly produced some outstanding displays towards the end of the season, helping Nigel Adkins’ men secure second place, just ahead of Huddersfield.

He struck three times in the last five games, including a crucial late equaliser in the dramatic 2-1 win at Brighton.

Connolly has plenty of Championship experience under his belt already, and was part of the Sunderland side that won the division in the 2006/07 season.

The former Feyenoord, West Ham and Wigan man was signed for Saints by ex-boss Alan Pardew in October 2009 on a free transfer.

Connolly had been out of the game with injury for more than a year-and-a-half, but was able to make a return to action at St Mary’s.

His health has still been a problem at times, but Connolly insists that he has been fully fit and clear of any trouble for months now.

His initial deal ran out at the end of last season, but he penned a one-year extension then, which took him through to this summer.

In his time at Saints, Connolly has made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.