A SMILING Kevin Davies emerged from the dressing rooms to be besieged by a swarm of autograph hunters and admitted: "I have always wanted to score a goal at Anfield."

The 24-year-old marksman has been limited to just two starts in three months under manager Gordon Strachan, and last week turned down loan moves to Sheffield United and Burnley.

It was a gamble which paid off big-time for Davies, who bagged a 46th-minute equaliser at Liverpool, silencing the Red faithful who had seen Michael Owen put them into a sixth-minute lead.

"I am hoping this is a new start for me," said Davies. "It is the start of a new year and what I've now got to do is to keep scoring goals. The fitness and sharpness will come.

"I said before the game I really wanted to score a goal at Anfield. I've never scored here before. I'm paid to score goals, so I'm very pleased."

The Saints boss had chosen to pair Davies with Marian Pahars, uncomfortable with the prospect of playing Ecuador international Agustin Delgado up front, as his poor English remains a worry.

"Delgado has problems with his English and sometimes doesn't understand what he is told to do," explained Strachan.

With James Beattie and Brett Ormerod both sidelined and Uwe Rosler departed to pastures new in Germany, it opened the door for Davies.

"I know a couple of injuries have let me in, but that is football," said Davies. "Marian and Beatts have done very well, so I can't really complain about not being in the squad.

"I have kept going. I had the chance to go on loan, which I turned down. I wasn't surprised about the loan move because, at the end of the day, I was sixth choice and I want to play football.

"It was a tough decision. I don't want to leave since I've just settled into a new house. But I have earned the chance, and the position with me right now is to make it difficult for the manager to leave me out."

Southampton staged a remarkable second-half comeback at Anfield - and very nearly stole all three points when Anders Svensson hit the post and Chris Marsden's point-blank header was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

The players were back at training today, but now have to wait nine days until their next match. This weekend is blank for Saints with the fourth round of the FA Cup. Southampton next go into battle against West Ham at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium on Wednesday, January 30.

Southampton reserves are in action tonight against Chelsea.

TO READ DAVE KING'S MATCH REPORT CLICK THE REPORTS LINK ON THE LEFT-HAND PANEL.