Kick off for Kanchelskis

Last updated : 03 September 2002 By Christian Kelly

Kanchelskis did enough while training with the squad to be offered a one year deal. I suspect he was signed as Saints failed to get any of the wingers they were really after.

Kanchelskis was pretty poor towards the end of his time at Rangers, and will be hoping to revitalise his career at St. Mary's.

Andrei said: Kanchelskis said: "It will be good for me to get going now. It is now a case of building up match-fitness and then trying to get into the squad.

"Whether I figure against Everton will be a decision for the manager and I will understand if he does not think I am ready. It would be a good one to play in though as it is against one of my old clubs.

"But I am not thinking that far ahead. I am just concentrating on tonight's game and getting myself fit.

"I am delighted to have signed and got it sorted out. It is what I hoped for when I came to train with Southampton and I am very grateful to Gordon Strachan for giving me this chance."

With Fabrice Fernandes playing well, and Telfer moving back into midfield when Dodd gets fit, it could be a while before we see Kanchelskis make a first team appearance.

Let's hope he makes Strachan's job hard by impressing against Spurs who I hope the reserves thump after Saturday.