Kelvin Davis has been backed to perform for as long as is needed after his heroics from the bench following Fraser Forster’s injury against Burnley.

Forster was stretchered off early in the game at St Mary’s and immediately taken to hospital after appearing to damage ligaments in his left knee making a routine clearance inside his own box.

With Forster out of the game it was down to club captain Davis, who hadn’t played for 13 months, to step in.

He was quickly in action, making two superb saves just minutes after coming on to prove he has lost none of his ability.

With the club fearing the worst as they wait on a firm diagnosis for Forster, it may well be that Davis finds himself in goal for the remaining eight games of the season as Saints chase European football.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman has backed his 38-year-old veteran to do the business.

“It’s difficult because it was a long time ago that he played, but the positive thing is that he’s an experienced goalkeeper,” reckoned Koeman.

“He’s not by himself nervous to come in, he looks comfortable and that’s important for the defenders and the team organisation and everything can happen in football.

“A little bit unlucky for Fraser and I hope it will be good news from the doctor but it’s looking negative but we will see.

“It’s difficult because it’s always important to keep working and wait for the moment.

“Ok, he likes to play every weekend but he knows his situation. His situation is clear – Fraser is the first and Kelvin is the second goalkeeper.

“Then you need a lot of experience when you need to play and you have to show it and that’s difficult.

“He showed his qualities, he was looking very comfortable and that gave a lot of confidence for the rest of the team.”

Davis may have reached the veteran stage of his career, but Koeman is confident he can still perform.

“He’s not the youngest goalkeeper but still he’s a very good goalkeeper,” insisted the Saints boss.

“He’s a good professional, he is club captain and he had some great saves.

“Not surprised because we see Kelvin working every day on the training session and that’s important to have somebody when he has to play that has some confidence and he will be not very nervous and that presentation was very important for the team.”

The injury to Forster, who misses on England duty as a result, was the only damper on Koeman’s birthday, with the Dutchman seeing his side pick up three valuable points and the man himself given a rendition of ‘happy birthday’ from the crowd.

“The best present,” he smiled. “The boys gave me the best present for my birthday, a good win, an important win, three points. A nice present.”