MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted Theo Walcott had a “positive impact” on Saints’ dressing room after it was announced the forward had signed a two-year deal at St Mary’s.

Former England international Walcott has enjoyed a fruitful loan spell on the south coast this season, having signed from Everton back in October.

His return capped a remarkable journey back to where it all began, having come through the youth ranks at the Hampshire club.

And having seen the forward now pen a contract back at Saints, Hasenhuttl expressed his delight at Walcott extending his stay.

The Saints boss told the club website: “Theo has been a very good influence for us this season.

“He is a very professional player who does things in the right way and has a very positive impact not only on our young players but on the dressing room as a whole.

“He understands the way we want to play, he has shown great commitment and he has also shown how he can be an important part of our game.

“I think he is a player who can continue to help us in these next two years, so I am pleased that he has agreed to stay with us.”