SAINTS are giving a week's trial to Norwegian midfielder Runar Berg, 18 months after he turned them down.

Berg pitched up at the club's Staplewood training ground yesterday, saying: "I am hoping for a new start here."

The 30-year-old Norwegian international is currently with Italian club Venezia, who are back in Serie B after a brief fling with Italy's top flight.

Claudio Prandelli is Venezia's fifth coach in six years under fiery chairman Maurizio Zamparini, and Berg has not been able to force his way into the team.

Berg, who has three Norwegian caps, has played just two Serie B games this season and with his future looking bleak in Italy, he is keen to try his luck at the club he spurned for the chance to go to Italy.

Former Saints boss Dave Jones had set up a deal with Berg's Norwegian club Rosenborg in December 1999, but the player opted to join Venezia - then a Serie A club - instead.

With two years to run on his contract the Italians would require a fee for Berg.

He said: "I had a choice of Venezia or Southampton and I chose to go there. I can't explain why, I just thought it would be better for me. It has not worked out this season but I would not say it was a mistake because it was good experience.

"There have been a lot of changes at the club and I haven't been in the team regularly, this year I have only played two or three matches."

* Saints reserve defender Garry Monk has joined Second division Oxford on a month's loan, but not with a view to a permanent move at this stage.