HENRI CAMARA has become the first post-war player to score in his first three Saints matches.

The Senegalese international striker made it four goals in two and a half matches for Saints since joining on loan from Celtic for the rest of the season.

Camara scored within seven minutes of his debut as a sub at Birmingham, and also netted in a man-of-the-match performance on his first start against Everton at St Mary's.

He maintained his stunning scoring streak with two more in the weekend FA Cup upset against League One Brentford.

The last Saint to score in his first three games for the club was Harry Brophy in the opening three matches of the 1938-39 season.

Brophy also scored in his fourth match - but went on to score just once in his next 33 league matches!

In more recent times, Danish striker Ronnie Ekelund netted in each of his first three league starts in 1994/95 - but had failed to score in his first game as a sub.

Colin Clarke netted four times in his first two games for Saints in 1986/87 - including a debut triple against QPR - and after failing to score on his third appearance scored one in each of his next three, making seven goals in his first six outings.

Camara's double against the Bees took his tally to six goals in his last five games - of which two were as a half-time sub.

He also scored twice in just 45 minutes playing in last Tuesday's charity match at the Nou Camp in Barcelona in aid of the tsunami victims fund.

The only game he has failed to score in out of his last five, therefore, is Senegal's 1-0 friendly loss against Cameroon on the same night England drew 0-0 with Holland at Villa Park.

Camara's superb start to goalscoring life at St Mary's contrasts with his first few months at Wolves last season.

The 27-year-old only scored once in his first 23 appearances for the Midlands outfit following his £1.5m signing from French club Sedan.

As reported in the Daily Echo last week, Bolton were keen to sign Camara for £2.5m last summer before parent club Wolves accepted a £1.5m season-long loan fee from Celtic.

And Wolves stand to gain financially from Camara's current form - the more goals he scores for Saints, the higher his likely price tag in the summer.