PAUL MURRAY is confident he can rekindle his promising career after being given a year to prove himself in the Premiership.

The versatile midfielder/defender last night signed a 12-month contract with Saints after making a big impact during his brief trial.

Murray was initially offered a three-month deal to give the club chance to have a closer look at the 24-year-old who was tipped for stardom before being hit by injury.

He had just forced his way into the England B team when he broke a leg in February 1998 and he missed much of last season with QPR after breaking a foot twice in four months.

He quit the club on a Bosman free during the summer and has already done enough to convince manager Stuart Gray to give him a year.

Murray said: "The club offered me three months and I was quite happy with that, but then they upped it which was a real bonus.

"It would not have mattered to me whether I was here for a few weeks or a year, I would have given the same commitment. That is the only way I can play.

"Everything has gone really well for me. The training is good and the lads have been great so I was delighted to sign.

"Now it is up to me to force my way into the squad and get everything back on track. Everyone has been saying I am injury-plagued but breaks can happen to anyone.

"It is not as though I have been continually struggling with ligament damage and strains. I have never had any of those.

"I am glad I have never had anything wrong with my knees for instance. I would rather have had the breaks than that.

"I feel good now and my aim for the season is just to play. I prefer central midfield but I am not fussed. I will play anywhere to get a game."

Murray has been with Saints barely a fortnight but manager Stuart Gray has already seen enough to know he has a potential bargain.

He said: "Paul is an England B international so he is a quality player. It is only the injuries which have held him back but he has already shown a good fitness level.

"He has good mobility, and he is a competitive little player who is not frightened to put a foot in or to work hard and to challenge.

"He is very versatile so he is a good addition to the squad for a minimal outlay. And he will give us extra cover at right-back with Jason Dodd not progressing as well as we had hoped."