Claus Lundekvam is confident of being fully fit for the start of the new season.

The Saints captain joined his teammates at the club's Marchwood training ground yesterday for the first day of pre-season.

He is recovering well from the ankle injury he suffered in the final Championship game of last season, against Southend at St Mary's at the end of April.

He is on target toplay in the opening match of the new Championship campaign, against Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 11.

Lundekvam is less likely to play during the pre-season tour of Norway, which begins in two weeks' time amd features games against Svarstad and Kvik Halden on July 16 and 18.

He said: "We've all been given a fitness programme to do during the summer, which I haven't been able to do fully.

"I did a test the other week and got through okay.

"It's just a question of getting the ankle totally pain-free and moving well and the fitness will come.

"I've been doing rehab training exercises with fitness work in between and I certainly hope I'll be ready for the first game.

"It's difficult to say whether I'll be okay to go to Norway.

"It would certainly be nice to play over there but I won't if I'm not 100 per cent."

Lundekvam admits the departure of fellow centre back Martin Cranie to Pompey is bad news, but the signing of Marek Saganowski has lifted spirits at St Mary's.

And with the likes of David McGoldrick, Adam Lallana and other teenagers pushing for first-team places, Lundekvam is confident of another promotion push in 2007/08.

He said: "Losing Martin was a big blow. I've known him for many years and know his talents, but you can't fault anyone for wanting to move to a Premiership club.

"But Marek Saganowski signing is great for us, he's a goalscorer and gives 100 per cent every time he plays.

"He works his socks off, and there's a lot of other talent coming through which is great.

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens.

"We're looking for a minimum of another top-six finish so hopefully we can keep hold of most of the players we have so we can build on what we did last season."

Lundekvam will be 35 in February but Saints' longest-serving player is still confident of playing in the top flight with the club he has served for 11 years.

He added: "I injured my left ankle at the beginning of last season and my right ankle at the end, but I felt good when I was fit.

"I'm going to be taking each season at a time, but if I can provide some experience to blend with all the young talent we've got coming through, hopefully we'll do well next season."