Kelvin Davis said the reception he received from the Saints fans helped inspire his man-of-the-match performance against Burnley.

The 38-year-old was thrown on for his first appearance since February 2014 after seeing Fraser Forster get stretchered off in the early stages of the game with suspected knee ligament damage.

Davis made a string of fine saves shortly after coming on, notably a sensational, one-handed diving stop from Danny Ings, in what proved to be the defining period of the game, as Shane Long converted at the other end to send Saints on the way to a valuable 2-0 win.

Davis suggested the impressive ovation he received from the supporters after being introduced went a long way to aiding his performance.

“You have to try to stay focused, be ready, but I got a fantastic reception from the fans when I came on and that kind of warmed me up a little bit if you like, and I felt ready to play as soon as I came on the pitch, so I was pleased,” he said.

The club captain added: “I’ve tried to stay fit and healthy and be ready for the opportunity if it came along.

“Being in the position I am, it’s just a great feeling to contribute to what we’re doing this season.”

 

 

His satisfaction at his own performance was dulled, however, as a result of the injury to Forster.

“I haven’t got any other information, other than, obviously, it’s serious enough for him to leave the pitch and knowing Fraser as I do he wouldn’t have come off lightly,” said Davis.

“Our thoughts are with him, and hopefully he’ll have a speedy recovery.”