Defiant Michael Svensson is laid up in Sweden with his knee in a brace following his latest operation - but he vowed: "It won't beat me."

The Swedish centre half is recovering from a major operation on his injured knee which involved having cartilage, previously removed and harvested in a laboratory, reinserted in his knee as well as a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

He faces a gruelling 18 month rehabilitation programme before being able to contemplate a comeback and even then there are no guarantees after what will be virtually four and a half years without regular first team football.

But Svensson is focussed on his goal of playing again and is confident he can do it.

He said: "I am confident I'll get back to playing.

"The doctors and physios here are really optimistic - it's down to the rehab and how that goes.

"It's difficult now but I'm optimistic and confident I will play again, whether it's in Southampton or in Sweden I don't know."

Svensson is out of contract at Saints this summer and the club will have to make a decision whether to offer him a new one.

It would be a long term investment to offer Svensson a new deal but much could depend on the fin-ances of the club.

The Swede, a huge favourite with the Saints fans who believe they may have avoided relegation from the Premiership had he have been fit that season, knows what he wants though.

"I appreciate the club's help but obviously I need an offer to stay in England," said Svensson.

"I will come over in mid-late June to sit down and discuss something but we'll see.

"It won't beat me. I always had in my mind to play again.

"It's not in my hands where that will be - I would love to stay and play for Southampton but I'm not in a good negotiating position.

"We'll just have to see - I know what I want."