SAINTS have signed Reading and Republic of Ireland centre back Alan Bennett on a six month loan deal.

The twice-capped 25 year-old, who moved to Reading from Cork City in January this year, is set to feature in tonight's friendly against Millwall after completing his move from the Premiership side this afternoon.

Saints manager George Burley said of the 6ft 2" defender: "Alan is a great lad, a fantastic character, and an experienced professional who made his name at Cork. "He did very well for Reading last year in their reserve team and is coming here looking for first team games." With Darren Powell suspended for the first three games of the season and Claus Lundekvam struggling to recover from an ankle injury bolstering his defensive ranks was a priority for Burley ahead of the start of the new season. "Obviously with Darren and Claus out and with Chris Baird having left for Fulham, defence was somewhere that needed attention. "Alan can offer us an awful lot, and I have no questions over his ability to come in and perform for us," Burley said. Bennett, whose loan deal at St Mary's runs until January 13 next year, said: "I've signed until mid-January and I can't wait to get out and start playing games. I 've not come here to make up the numbers that's for sure. "This is a great club, a Premiership club and I wanted to be a part of making sure we get back where Saints belong." Bennett made his senior debut for Reading during the club's pre-season Peace Cup campaign earlier this month though has yet to feature competitively for Steve Coppell's side. And Coppell said: "Considering the very competitive nature of the centre half position within our squad, this is a great opportunity for Alan to get regular first team football at a club with a rich history and with very serious designs on challenging for promotion this season."