STEVEN Davis insists Virgil van Dijk has returned to the fold "determined to give his all and fight for his place" after the end of his transfer stand-off.

The wantaway centre-back agitated for a move away in the summer months, but Saints held firm and did not sell.

At the end of the transfer window, Van Dijk, who was excluded from first-team duties while his future was decided, returned to training and captain Davis says he's now fully focused on Saints.

“It’s been a smooth transition,” he said. “A lot more has been of it in the media than there has been here.

“But ultimately we’re delighted that he’s back in. He’s determined to give his all and fight for his place.

“It’s a great boost for us to be able to keep hold of him.”