SAINTS today signed defender Wayne Thomas from Burnley.

The 28-year-old centre half has agreed to a £1.2m move from the Clarets in a three-year deal - with £1m up front.

Thomas, a former Burnley captain, can line up both in the centre of defence and at right-back and wfits Burley's need to shore up his ranks after watching Saints concede six goals in their opening two games of the season.

Thomas had five successful years at Stoke before ex-Potters boss Steve Cotterill won the race for his signature in 2005.

His first season as a Burnley player was ruined by two serious injuries, first tearing his knee ligaments and then, after a surprisingly quick recovery, breaking his second metatarsal bone.

But he was made club captain when the 2006/07 season kicked off, although indiscipline on the field with two early red cards and some uncharacteristic mistakes forced a change of leadership this February with new signing Steven Caldwell taking over.

Burley's need for a new defender has been heightened by Darren Powell's suspension and Claus Lundekvam's ongoing injury problems.

Lundekvam is still awaiting results of a scan on his ankle before being given the green light to resume training.

But he said today: "At the moment, I don't really know what will happen. Hopefully we should find out more today.

"I went up to London yesterday for a second scan but we don't have the full report yet."

Full report in today's Daily Echo