NEW signing Darren Powell is aiming to provide the big physical presence that Saints so lacked in defence last season.

At 6ft 3ins, Powell, who joined on free transfer from Crystal Palace, is known as a tough-tackling centre-back.

The club lacked a real leader at the back last season in the absence through injury of Michael Svensson, with Claus Lundekvam and Andreas Jakobsson both seemingly happier sweeping up behind a more imposing figure.

But, after struggling to break into Iain Dowie's Palace team, Powell has something to prove and says he will be happy to put himself where it hurts.

Hammersmith-born Powell, who also spent four years at Brentford and a spell on loan at West Ham, said: "I do like a tackle. I enjoy that side of the game.

"I like to get dirty and put myself about a bit. Unfortunately that means I do pick up the odd card or two, but I like to get stuck in.

"I am not afraid of getting hurt for the cause - that is all part of the job.

"I do enjoy the physical side of the game - and in this league there is a lot of that.

"Some of the Southampton players have not played First Division football - but I have. And I know what to expect.

"It is a hard league and there will be a lot of clubs determined to turn us over.

"We will be their cup final so teams will come down here and give it their all because they will be determined to beat us.

"And clubs in this division are so close to the 'promised land' of the Premiership that they give it a real go so it will be a tough campaign.

"But we have the quality here to be right up there and hopefully bounce back at the first attempt.

"I was surprised to see Southampton down the bottom of the table last season but obviously there were a few defensive problems - otherwise they would not have been there.

"Hopefully I can establish myself in the team and help the club get back to where they belong."