George Burley is desperate to make a loan move for an experienced and proven striker to help solve his Saints goal woes.

The recent rib injury to top scorer Grzegorz Rasiak and illness to David McGoldrick has left Burley with just TWO fully fit frontmen - Kenwyne Jones and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

But, even with all four fit, Saints have struggled for goals this season.

They have only netted 20 times in 16 league matches with Rasiak providing eight of those.

Saints have only managed a paltry eight goals in as many league games at St Mary's this season.

Those dismal statistics have been the root cause of a problem which has seen Saints take just seven points from their last possible 21.

Taking Rasiak out of the equation, Jones (7) and Wright-Phillips (2) have only managed nine goals between them in 34 Championship starts for Saints plus another 28 as a sub.

McGoldrick has only ever appeared in two league games for Saints.

And Burley's fifth striker with Championship experience, Leon Best, has just returned from a loan spell with Bournemouth with the boss admitting he is not in his immediate plans.

All that has forced Burley to look elsewhere.

He told the Daily Echo last night he wants to strengthen his striking department.

He said: "It's an area we're looking to try and maybe add to.

"We're keeping an eye open in terms of bringing somebody in on loan.

"We're still open to that.

"David McGoldrick had a virus and wasn't involved last Wednesday and was on the bench on Saturday but not 100 per cent fit.

"But he's only 18 and a couple of injuries with Grzegorz missing as well leaves us short in that department.

"We've spoken to one or two clubs about loans but at the end of the day you want the quality ones that are going to improve the squad which is the key."

Full story in today's Daily Echo