FABRICE FERNANDES scored the goal at Dean Court last night as Saints ran out 1-0 winners in a south coast friendly with Bournemouth. Then he promised: "The best has yet to come".

The 22-year-old Frenchman broke the deadlock with a delightful 30-yard lob a minute into the second half.

It was his second goal for the club since signing for £1.1m in the New Year - his last goal was a blinding 25-yard free-kick against West Ham in January.

"I don't seem to score many tap-ins," said Fernandes. "It was a nice finish for me and a good goal - it was similar to one I scored in the Worthington Cup for Fulham last season.

"I saw their goalkeeper two or three metres off his line, he had come off his line a couple of times, and I had a go."

Fernandes has flitted in and out of the first team since signing from Rennes, and the left-footed midfielder admitted it has taken time for him to adjust.

"I think this is normal," he said. "It is not always possible to play at your best straight away when you arrive at a new club. You need two or three games to get better.

"I have been with Southampton for four months now and I have been happy with my form. My game is getting better and better and I hope to progress even further next season.

"I think that next season will be easier for me. Now I know everybody, there is a good atmosphere at the club, people are very nice to me and I am happy."

Fernandes has started six games this season, and hopes next term to get a good run in the team to show Gordon Strachan what he is capable of.

He said he is happy with his own form, and will be heading home to France after the end of the season, followed by a short holiday to America, in good heart.

"It is a shame there is only one game left for me, against Newcastle, but I am hoping that next season will be a good season for me."

Saints manager Gordon Strachan sent a virtually full-strength squad to the Fitness First Stadium at Dean Court.

The only first-team regulars not to feature were the injured Matthew Oakley, Marian Pahars, Chris Marsden and goalkeeper Paul Jones, who had an operation on his injured knee yesterday.

Wayne Bridge and skipper Jason Dodd were also rested on a night when Saints flew the flag for the Premiership in a friendly watched by 2,790 fans.