Marek Saganowski admitted Grzegorz Rasiak helped convince him to join Saints' Polish contingent.

The 28-year-old striker has joined on loan for the rest of the season from French side Troyes after impressing in a two-day trial last week.

Saganowski, known as Saga, is now relishing trying to fire Saints to the Premiership alongside his countryman Rasiak.

He said: "I know Grzegorz, we were playing in the international team for one or two games.

"There was one game we won where I scored and he scored with an assist from me, so we know each other.

"There is also the language as well- we can speak easily on the pitch together.

"I spoke to him before coming here and he told me it is a nice club, a good club and we can go to the Premier League.

"That is a good situation.

"Grzegorz and Bartosz Bialkowski are here and they are two guys I know from Poland, which is good.

"For me it's very important because I stayed at a club and had no friends from Poland.

"I had a problem with the language because I speak English but in France they don't like to speak it too much".

Saganowksi, who had a short trial with Watford last month, was not signed in time to face Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary's tonight but will be available for the visit of leaders Derby on Saturday.

He played for six seasons with Polish club Lodz and had loan spells at Hamburg and Feyenoord in early 1997.

Saganowksi moved to Wisla Plock in 2000 and then to Odra Wodzislaw the following year.

The much-travelled forward, who has three goals in 16 appearances for his country, switched to Legia Warsaw in January 2003 and Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes two years later.

Last summer he was sold to Troyes for £1m but has played only six games this season.

The new No 4 added: "I am so happy to have come to England - everyone knows English football is the best in the world and I am delighted to be here.

"Southampton are very close to the Premier League and I hope I can help them get there.

"I hope it goes well and that I can stay here longer".

George Burley, therefore, has finally got his man - Burley had a £350,000 bid for the player during his time as Hearts boss turned down.

Don't miss today's Daily Echo for the full Saganowski interview.