ARTUR Boruc returns to St Mary’s for the first time this Saturday – with his confidence in a very fragile state.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper last appeared at St Mary’s on the last day of the 2013/14 season on 11 May 2014, when he started for Saints in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United.

Later that summer, new Saints boss Ronald Koeman shipped Boruc out on loan to Cherries, who were in the Championship at the time.

He then signed permanently at the Vitality Stadium after winning promotion to the top-flight, and his release from Saints, in May 2015.

But he is yet to return to St Mary’s in Bournemouth colours.

Boruc missed last season’s 2-0 defeat for the Cherries because of injury, with Adam Federici deputising.

The Polish shot stopper, who recently retired from international duties, has played both Premier League matches versus Saints at the Vitality, though.

Last season he kept a clean sheet as Eddie Howe’s side ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Steven Cook and Benik Afobe.

But back in December he conceded thrice as Saints came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1, with Jay Rodriguez netting a brace after Ryan Bertrand had equalised following Nathan Ake’s early opener.

Boruc is now preparing to make his comeback and will be feeling a little more confident after his first clean sheet of 2017.

The former Celtic man, who Saints brought in on a free from Italian outfit Fiorentina in September 2012, has often struggled this campaign, with Cherries boss Howe even having looked to replace him in the January transfer window.

A move for Chelsea’s Asmir Begovic was mooted.

But that never transpired and the veteran custodian has managed to keep hold of the number one jersey.

This year so far he has conceded 23 goals in ten games - including letting in six goals in the 6-3 defeat to Everton - but he kept a clean sheet last time out as Bournemouth defeated Swansea 2-0 at home.

In total this term, the Cherries defence have managed just six shut outs in all competitions, with Boruc between the sticks for five.

They arrive at St Mary’s with the third worst defensive record in the top-flight, and have conceded the third most of any away team this term.

Cherries have let in 54 goals in 29 league games, with 31 of them going in on the road.