ANTHONY Pulis made his debut for Saints reserves against Swansea last night and described his relief at finally overcoming his injury nightmare.

The 24-year-old signed from Stoke on a free transfer at the end of August, in a twoyear deal, with an option for a third.

Pulis, left, suffered a broken metatarsal shortly before the move went ahead.

The central midfielder played an hour in the 2-1 win at Staplewood and said he was delighted to finally pull on a Saints shirt.

“It was good,” he said. “It’s been a while – I’ve been out for three months and I was itching to get back.

“It’s been a frustrating two years.

“Any player will tell you the worst thing about being a footballer is being injured.

“I had an ongoing thigh problem at Stoke, but I got through that.

“Then I got through all the pre-season games and got the foot injury.

“Now I’m back it makes me appreciate being fit and playing so much more.

“I know it’s going to take a few weeks but hopefully I can challenge for a place, although it will be difficult, as there are a lot of good midfielders at the club.”

Pulis initially feared his injury might have killed the deal with Saints.

“I thought the move was going to be in jeopardy, but I was grateful to Southampton that they still wanted to push it through,” he said.

“I would have understood if they wanted to call it off, so I’m very grateful.”