SAINTS have sent Agustin Delgado back to Ecuador to prepare for the World Cup Finals.

The club made the decision at the weekend after the £3.2million striker returned home from Spain where he had unexpectedly turned out for his country in a friendly against South Africa.

Delgado had linked up with the national squad in Murcia, Spain, only as a spectator, yet two months after a second knee operation, he surprisingly played 45 minutes of the goalless draw.

Now the club have decided that since he has no chance of figuring in the last two Premiership games, it would be better for him to return to South America and prepare there.

Chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We had a long meeting after Saturday's game against Everton and talked things over with the player, his agent and the Ecuadorian doctor and physio.

"I discussed it with Gordon Strachan and with only two games left we decided the best course of action would be for him to go home so he can continue with his rehabilitation and concentrate on the World Cup.

"We appreciate that Saints fans have not really seen him yet, but he will be back for pre-season along with Kleber Chala.

"He will then be able to prepare fully for the new season without the distraction of the World Cup or a bad knee."