Agustin Delgado has opened his heart for the first time since his controversial return from the World Cup to admit it was mistake to play in the tournament - and dedicate his first goal on Wednesday night to the fans of Southampton.

El Tino, as he is known in his native Ecuador, has been at Saints just four days short of a year now but has only managed two starts since his £3.2m signing - and just the one goal - at Anfield in midweek.

His time at the club has been dogged by injury and controversy, with his right knee having kept him out of the side for most of his stay so far, only for him to be fit enough to play in the World Cup.

Yesterday the 27-year-old striker admitted that his focus on the World Cup cost him games at Saints and that it was a mistake to play - but he had to do it to fulfil his dream.

When asked if he had made an error by playing in Japan and South Korea, he replied: "Yes.

"But the reality is that I wanted to play. It is not as if Ecuador qualifies for every World Cup and my dream has always been to play in the World Cup and score in the World Cup, which I did."

He added: "It has cost me games at Southampton. I would have been back to fitness at an earlier time had it not been for that."

While he was away and during his subsequent failure to return to the club at the date set for pre-season training, there was an endless stream stories that Delgado would never return but he confessed: "I never thought about not coming back. I only wanted to be well and to arrive here well and to be able to play."

Delgado said he feels he 'owes something' to the people of Southampton and has thanked them for their patience and support for him, which culminated in his midweek goal, saying: "It felt very good - the goal is for the people of Southampton. For a long time people have said 'Agustin has not played, he is injured,' but I am dedicating it for the people of Southampton.

"The reality is that I've been very desperate to be able to demonstrate what they've invested in me for."

He added: "Their support has encouraged me to work hard every day and to get good results."