Peter Madsen has ended his Saints loan spell and returned to Cologne.

The Danish international striker, who in January joined on loan until the end of the season, has gone back to Germany after being told he would not be signed on a permanent deal in the summer.

Madsen, who celebrates his 28th birthday tomorrow, made nine starts for Saints during his time at the club, scoring two goals against Crewe and Watford in successive games last month.

Saints boss George Burley was full of praise for his contribution to the team, where his chances have been more limited in recent weeks due to the form of Ricardo Fuller and Grzegorz Rasiak.

He said: "Peter has gone back. His agent spoke to us and he wanted a decision before Sunday as far as the long term was concerned.

"He's done well but we've decided that we're not going to sign him on a permanent basis.

"He's gone back to Colgone where he's got two years left on his contract.

"Peter is a smashing lad and worked well in his loan period.

"He did a good job for us but we've decided not to pursue a permanent transfer."

The future of several of Burley's squad is still hanging in the balance ahead of the final game of the season against Leicester at St Mary's on Sunday.

There are a few established names out of contract at the end of this season who may or may not be offered new deals.

Michael Svensson, Marian Pahars, Chris Baird and Djamel Belmadi are four who are out of contract, though Saints have the option of signing the latter for an extra season.

Burley also has FIVE other loan players whose deals expire after Sunday's game, though Grzegorz Rasiak is expected to sign permanently from Tottenham.

Kamil Kosowski, Jermaine Wright, Richard Chaplow and Darren Potter are also on loan.

"Other things will get sorted soon," Burley said.

"We'll put out a retained list next week.

"There are still issues to be sorted and we want to get the season over and take it from there."

Saints have one fresh injury doubt ahead of Sunday's game against the Foxes.

Defender Darren Kenton, who spent a loan spell at the Walkers Stadium last season, is a doubt.

He was forced off in the second half of Saints' 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace with a knock to the calf and is touch and go to be fit.