AGUSTIN DELGADO'S agent has moved to allay fears the Saints striker will again arrive late for pre-season training.

Saints yesterday reported that the Ecuadorian international had suffered a recurrence of his back injury and may need surgery to trim a problem disc.

The problem meant he was apparently not fit to travel back to England to open the Bevois Town Primary School Annual Summer Fayre today as planned.

But the player's agent, Eric Manasse, today said he knew nothing of the new injury and that when he last spoke to Delgado the striker was feeling well back home in his native Ecuador.

"We are surprised to hear he has had this back trouble," he said.

"As far as we are concerned everything is fine and he will report back for pre-season training at the same time as the rest of the team.

"He is very happy in Southampton and desperate to be a success."

Manasse also said that Delgado was at Ecuador's recent 0-0 draw with Columbia on June 8 as a gesture to "inspire" his international team-mates prior to kick-off. He did not take part in the match.

Saints say he was in pain from his back injury and had been told not to travel to England as the long-haul flight could aggravate the problem.

They have stressed they want him back in England as soon as possible so they can make an assessment of the injury.

Chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We want him back in England as soon as possible.

"We have been told he has been advised to have surgery but we want to take our own medical advice to assess the situation fully for ourselves.

"We have a large sum invested in both his costs and his transfer fee and we need to take the correct steps to give him the best chance of continuing his career and ensuring that his quality of life is not damaged."

Secretary Liz Coley added: "Delgado had been progressing well with his treatment and it was felt beneficial that he return to Ecuador for a short break.

"Whilst he was over there he had a recurrence of his back problem and received medical advice that advised him not to travel back this week."

Delgado, who cost Saints £3.2m, has been plagued by injuries since his move to St Mary's from Necaxa 18 months ago.

Last season he arrived back in Southampton almost a month late for pre-season training, claiming he was recovering from a knee injury.

The 28-year-old has not played since December last year and even briefly left the club in February, citing differences with boss Gordon Strachan.

But in a recent interview with the Daily Echo, he spoke of the importance of taking part in pre-season training this year, which officially begins next month.

He said: "Pre-season is very important to me. I still need to get physically fitter and all the running before the season is what I need."

Delgado has apparently apologised for his non-appearance at Bevois Town Primary School and Latvian striker Marian Pahars has agreed to stand in.