CLAUS Lundekvam has created his own piece of history by setting a new record for the most Premiership appearances by a Norwegian.

Fittingly, Lundekvam notched up his 276th top-flight appearance for Saints as captain in Saturday's 2-0 win over Liverpool.

It meant he overtook Henning Berg's record but, unlike Berg, Lundekvam's have all been for one club.

The big centre-half said: "I am very proud to have taken the record but did not think about it during the match.

"However, it was great and special to be captain in this particular match."

Lundekvam has been a long-term servant to the club, having joined from Brann Bergen for £400,000 in September 1996.

He was signed by Graeme Souness during his time in charge and has enjoyed being a mainstay of the defence under every manager since. In particular, he formed strong partnerships with Ken Monkou, Dean Richards and Michael Svensson.

Of all the matches he has played for Saints, one stands out - against Wolves in April last season when Lundekvam netted his only competitive goal for the club after 296 league and cup appearances.

Lundekvam has a habit of picking up personal honours.

In 2003/04 he was voted the Norwegian PFA's player of the year for performances in helping steer Saints to eighth in the league and the FA Cup final.

He was possibly the most unlikely man to pop up and score Norway's 1000th international goal in October 2002.

The 6ft 3in, 31-year-old defender has made a total of 328 appearances for the club, has 33 international caps and is still a firm favourite with Saints fans.