Poortvliet happy with squad after window slams shut (From Daily Echo)

Poortvliet happy with squad after window slams shut

6:47am Tuesday 2nd September 2008 in

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Jan Poortvliet has declared himself "very pleased" with his squad after a quiet transfer deadline day saw just one player arrive at St Mary's.

The Saints head coach was as surprised as anybody at the lack of movement with several players such as Rudi Skacel having been expected to leave.

However, with money in short supply for most clubs outside of the top flight, the only business done at St Mary's was the signing of French attacking midfielder Romain Gasmi from RC Strasborug.

That was the club from which Saints bought Morgan Schneiderlin for £1.2m following a recommendation from former coach Georges Prost.

The 21-year-old - Saints' 10th summer transfer window signing - has moved on loan for the rest of the season with an option for Saints to buy him next summer.

However, Gasmi, who hasn't started a match for Strasbourg this season in the French second division, is not expected in Southampton for another four to six weeks as he has a broken fifth metatarsal in his foot.

Strasbourg will continue to finance his recovery and he will join his new teammates at St Mary's after that.

Poortvliet said: "He is a multi-functional player in the midfield and the front and can play on both wings or the number ten position.

"He is a player who can dribble, he's a good passing man and can score goals - that's what he did in Strasbourg.

"I have been told by people in France he's a very good player.

"At 17 or 18 he was a big talent and played in the first team. Now he's injured but he wants to come here.

"He is multi-functional and you need some players who can play in various position so we are happy with that."

After weeks of uncertainty over who would stay and who would go, Poortvliet now knows exactly what he has to work with until the transfer window reopens in January.

"I am very pleased with what I've got," he said.

"I couldn't wish for better at the moment with where we are and the players we have - I'm content.

"From now on everyone can train and we will see what happens.

"I'm am very happy because we have everything we want.

"Now it's up to us to work and hopefully produce."

Full story: see today's Daily Echo.