VETERAN defender Ronny Johnsen has admitted that, even if he wins a one-year contract with Saints this season could still be his last.

The 35-year-old Norwegian international joined Saints on trial at the end of last week and played the final half an hour of the St Mary's friendly against Chievo on Saturday.

Saints boss Paul Sturrock admitted that the former Manchester United treble winning centre half was "well off the pace" but invited him to train with the first team again yesterday, today and tomorrow before making a decision.

Sturrock is keen for experienced cover at centre back with Michael Svensson set to miss the start of the season - and Johnsen is available on a free transfer after being released by Aston Villa at the end of last season.

Johnsen is hoping for one last Premiership hurrah by earning a one-year contract with Saints but has confessed that he will probably hang up his boots next summer. He said: "It's not unlikely that this will be my last year playing. I have kept it going for so many years now. I have got family and everything, so it would be natural to stop after this season."

Speaking of his performance against Chievo, Johnsen added: "I have not played a single game since I was with the national team (May 27 against Wales), and I noticed that I was a bit rusty. But it went alright."