Marian Pahars is mounting a one-man campaign for a winter break - lasting three months.

Last season the Saints striker did not hit the net between the end of October and the start of February; this time the drought has stretched from September until now.

If history repeats itself, he is due to score at Tottenham tomorrow, provided he shakes off the calf injury which ruled him out of last week's home game against Charlton.

But although he would dearly love to net his first goal in 15 games tomorrow, he insists he is not unduly worried provided the team keep picking up good results.

He said: "I am happy with the way I am playing - although of course I would be even more happy if I was scoring goals.

"I don't think about the fact I have not scored for a long time. I maybe thought about it in the first month but I had to stop otherwise I would just kill myself!

"This time last year I did not score for a long time either but I came through and started again. Perhaps we should have a mid-winter break for three months!

"But the team are playing well and that is the main thing. Strangely enough, since I stopped scoring the side has done better.

"I have been making goals for others and if that continues then that is fine by me."

Pahars has found his goalscoring opportunities more limited by a new wider role on the right.

The thinking is that he is then running at defenders and frightening them with his pace rather than receiving the ball with his back to goal.

It has seen him create more openings for team-mates but has led to rumours among the fans that he is unhappy at being used too deep or wide.

That could soon change anyway with the arrival of Dan Petrescu giving manager Glenn Hoddle the option of playing three at the back with wing-backs to provide the width.

But whatever the formation Pahars stresses that he is quite at ease with his new role and his new life in England.

His command of the language has improved beyond all recognition since his arrival from Skonto Riga almost two years ago and he and his family are settled in Southampton.

He added: "I like it here. I know there are rumours about other teams being interested but I have heard nothing from any of them.

"The main thing for me is that I am playing and happy here. I want to do well for the Southampton fans because they love me and I love them!

"I am happy to play wide. Maybe at times I am too far from goal or pick up the ball too deep. It leaves me too many people to beat but I can make goals for Beats or another striker.

"The midfielders make good runs and I can find them. There is a lot of quality and some talented players who get forward well.

"I quite like to play deeper where you see more of the ball. Up front it can be difficult to get it because defenders look after you very hard.

"The hard thing for me out wide is there is a lot of defensive work to do. It means a lot of running which takes a lot out of you.

"It is more running than I have been used to because I have never had to play defensively before. But I am starting to learn that and it will improve my overall game. I think I am doing OK for myself and for the manager.

"Maybe I will play up front again but that is the manager's decision. It is fine by me either way and I am happy at the club."