SAINTS have signed Rickie Lambert on a three-year deal from Bristol Rovers.

The 27-year-old striker underwent a medical at Saints this morning and has joined for a fee in excess of £1m.

Lambert finished as joint top scorer in League One last season, with 29 goals. He also scored a late winner when Saints met Bristol Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the Memorial Stadium in the 2007/08 season.

Lambert, who could make his debut in tomorrow night's Carling Cup match against Northampton, said: “I am really grateful to everyone at both clubs for making this deal possible.

"The owner and chairman here have great plans for the club, and I am really looking forward to working with Alan Pardew.”