Kevin Davies was back with a bang last night when he hit a brace in Southampton Reserves' 3-0 victory over West Ham at St Mary's.

Davies, who has only recently returned from a loan spell at Millwall, scored twice in the space of three first half minutes to help his side to victory.

The man Blackburn once paid over £7m for faces an uncertain future as he bids to prove he is worth another contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season or to try and get another club interested in him.

But reserve team boss Steve Wigley had words of encouragement for Davies, pictured right, and admitted he's been impressed by his attitude and application.

He said: "Kevin's come back and had a week training with us last week. He's been keen to play in this game and that's shown.

"All week he's worked very hard and he's got himself two goals. I had hoped he'd get another one but it wasn't to be.

"Kevin's trying to get his career going again and performances like that will certainly help.

"In football you put yourself in the shop window by playing, no matter what level it's at.

"You need to take an opportunity to get people talking about you and hopefully now there's people in the stands that will discuss Kevin Davies."

Southampton's other goal, in front of a crow of 4,560, came from Russian winger Andrei Kanchelskis after only 26 seconds of the game.

Wigley's men dominated the match in the first half and at one stage it seemed as if Saints could run up a cricket score.

Other notable names on display last night included Francis Benali, Garry Monk, Paul Williams and Jo Tessem, who played in the centre of midfield.

l Several Saints stars are in international action this evening.

In Euro 2004 qualifying mode are Paul Jones, who is with Wales for their match in Azerbaijan, while Marian Pahars and Imants Bleidelis are with Latvia in San Marino.

It's only friendly action for the rest as Anders and Michael Svensson hope to start for Sweden against the Czech Republic, Claus Lundekvam and Norway face Austria, Rory Delap is with Ireland in Greece and Kleber Chala is away with Ecuador who play Costa Rica.

Agustin Delgado has stayed behind to try and aid his return to full fitness.