STEVEN Davis has joined Glasgow Rangers on loan until the end of the season, when he is out of contract.

Davis rejoins the Scottish giants with a view to signing permanently in the summer.

The 34 year-old midfielder joined for £3m from Rangers in 2012, following Saints’ return to the Premier League.

An outstanding servant to the club, he made 226 appearances and scored 14 goals for Saints but has been restricted to one Premier League start and two in the Carabao Cup this season.

A club statement said: "Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to express their gratitude for the incredible dedication and service given by Steven throughout his time at St Mary’s, and we wish him the very best of luck in the future."

Davis published the following statement on the club's website:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making my time at the club so special.

There have been ups and downs, but since the day I arrived I have given my all to play my part in pushing this club forward.

It has been an honour to captain the club and lead the team out in a cup final at Wembley, achieve four successive top-eight finishes and be part of the club playing back in Europe.

Daily Echo:

Steven Davis

To the fans I must say thanks you for your wonderful support. I will always treasure it.

The last couple of years have been more challenging, but I believe the management and quality within the dressing room can bring success back.

There are too many people to thank individually, but to the fans I must say thank you for your wonderful support. I will always treasure it.

I have been lucky to work under some fantastic managers and share the pitch with a host of top players during my time with the club, and I have met incredible people who will be life-long friends.

Southampton Football Club has taught me a lot that I will take into the rest of my career and life. I look forward to the new challenges ahead and wish everyone associated with the club success in the future.