David Prutton has left Saints for Nottingham Forest.

The 25-year-old midfielder has joined his former club initially until the end of the season when his Saints contract expires.

Prutton moved to St Mary's for £2.5m from Forest on the final day of the first ever January transfer window in 2003.

His hometown club, Hull, were keen to sign him earlier this month with Prutton out of the picture under George Burley at Saints.

Prutton has made just 65 league starts (plus 17 as a sub) for Saints in four years - injury having restricted him to just a handful of appearances since Burley arrived 13 months ago.

In addition, he has also played in 10 cup ties (two as a sub).

He was infamously banned for ten games after shoving an official as Saints battled relegation from the Premiership.

Prutton is not eligible to play for Forest against Carlisle tomorrow but could make his debut at the weekend.