YESTERDAY'S training game was a fortnight too soon for midfielder Paul Hughes, now back with the club after a week's rehabilitation at Lilleshall following a persistent groin injury.

He expects to resume full training in around 10 days while Dani Rodrigues, recovering well from a broken leg, is off crutches and running gently. He hopes to begin full training in the first week in February.

Saints have put any move for Runar Berg on ice. The Norwegian midfielder, who plays for Italian side Venezia, spent a week's trial at The Dell but has returned to his Serie B club.

Manager Glenn Hoddle is reluctant to pay £500,000 for a player similar to those he already has at the club, but the manager has not ruled out the possibility of going back later.

He said: "Runar is obviously a good player and we will monitor the situation over the next few months and await developments.

"It would be different if he was on a free transfer, but they want £500,000 for him and there is no point in paying that now. We have plenty of choice in midfield and there is no urgency about bringing in another for the same position.

"The deal is not dead completely but we will just see how he gets on over the next few months and perhaps something can be sorted out."