George Burley described Saints' defending as horrendous' after their opening game of the season ended in a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Crystal Palace at St Mary's.

The Saints boss could barely have said much else after watching James Scowcroft net a hat-trick and Clinton Morrison the other as his side fell apart at the back.

Marek Saganowski scored what proved to be a consolation in first half injury time but for Burley and the disillusioned Saints fans who greeted the final whistle with boos it was the defending that was the focus.

He said: "We knew we were a wee bit short but the goals we conceded were horrendous.

"It was never a 4-1 game but the goals we gave away were shocking and that's what cost us.

"They took their opportunities but we gave them most of them.

"It's a big challenge. It took us five games last season to win our first game, there's a lot of work to be done but we've got to stick together. The fans were frustrated but we've got to show character."

Burley confirmed Saints hope to sign a new centre half this week and said Kenwyne Jones was missing due to a hamstring strain and not a fresh bid for his services from Derby.

Match report in this weekend's 48-page Pink