Saints boss Jan Poortvliet has praised Michael Svensson after his first game in almost three years.
Swedish defender on comeback trail
Southampton boss Jan Poortvliet has praised Michael Svensson after the Swedish defender played his first game for the Saints in almost three years.
The injury plagued centre-half played the first 45 minutes of Saints' 5-0 pre-season friendly win against Winchester City on Saturday.
It was his first match action since November 2005 after a series of knee problems and undergoing surgery 14 months ago.
The 32-year-old has been out of contract since last summer but he refused to give up and continued to train with Southampton.
Determination
And his determination could yet be rewarded with a new deal with the South Coast side if he continues to progress.
Next up will be the Saints' pre-season game against Salisbury on Tuesday where he will again have a chance to impress.
Saints boss Jan Poortvliet said: "Svensson did well and he's on his way back.
"He's going pass by pass, step by step. I think we'll see how he does on Tuesday and we'll look at how his body recuperates, but I don't think it will be a problem because on the training ground he has been doing everything."
Saints' victory against Winchester came via goals from Stern John, Oscar Gobern, Jason Euell, Joseph Mills and Jamie White.
