George Burley hailed Chris Baird's improvement and said he "wouldn't swap him for another right back in the league" after the Northern Ireland intentional signed a new three-year deal at Saints.

The 24-year-old's current two-year deal was due to expire this summer, but he has now committed himself to Saints until 2009 despite interest from other clubs.

Baird, who was handed the club's most improved player of the year award at Monday's annual sponsors dinner, has established himself in Burley's side.

That was after failing to get a chance to impress under Paul Sturrock, Steve Wigley or Harry Redknapp.

The 2003 FA Cup final star is currently ahead of January signing Alexander Ostlund in the pecking order at right-back.

Burley said: "He's done very well for us over the last couple of months, in fact he's been outstanding and it was important that we got him signed up.

"He's still a young player and he's shown in the last months great improvement.

"He's played at right back, centre back and in midfield.

"I'm very pleased he's signed because he could have gone elsewhere after Sunday.

"At the sponsors dinner Chris won most improved player and that's spot on because he's come on in leaps and bounds.

"I wouldn't swap him for another right back in this league."

Baird has taken time to establish himself at Saints, going out on loan to Walsall and Watford in 2993/04,

However, his recent run under Burley - and his belief in the new manager - has encouraged him to stay at St Mary's.

He said: "I am really pleased to have got it all sorted. Now I am already looking forward to next season.

"This is the longest contract I have had, previously it has always been a two-year deal.

"But the chairman has given me a fantastic contract and I am very grateful.

"Obviously there could be a lot of changes for next season but I am very happy that I will be part of it.

"I love it here. It is a great club and a good place to live.

"I did not want to move but I did need to be playing first-team football.

"The new manager has given me a chance and I feel I have taken it. I have played a few different roles too, even covering at centre-back and in midfield.

"Ideally I would like to try and hold down the right-back slot next season but I will play anywhere the manager needs me.

"When Alex Ostlund got injured I got a run of games and I have managed to stay in the side.

"I have enjoyed it and the last few weeks have gone very well .

"There were other clubs interested but I have been here all my career and did not want to move."

THE FEUDING GOES ON: What really is happening at St Mary's - a special report inside tonight's Daily Echo.