SAINTS striker Billy Sharp celebrated the 300th league appearance of his career with a goal on his second debut for Doncaster Rovers.

The 27-year-old last Thursday rejoined the Yorkshire club on loan for the rest of the season, and two days later struck in the 85th minute to give Rovers a 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

Sharp got the faintest of touches on a David Cotterill free-kick to earn praise from his boss Paul Dickov.

“It looks as though he (Billy Sharp) nicked it and that’s what he’s been brought here for.

“We've got a fox-in-the-box striker who can score you goals and today he’s managed to nick us a point.”

Sharp, who admitted he had lost “the buzz” not playing at Saints in the last 18 months, is a proven Championship striker.

Two seasons ago he scored 19 second tier goals - 10 for Doncaster and nine for Saints in 15 outings after a £1.7m move to St Mary’s.

Saturday’s goal was his 132nd in 300 league games - 41 of which have off the bench.

Sharp had also scored on his first Reading start back in early December when on loan to Nigel Adkins’ Royals.

The player made his name under Adkins at Scunthorpe United before a £2m move to Sheffield United in 2007.

Sharp remains under contract at St Mary’s until the end of next season, 2014/15.