SAINTS manager Russell Martin explained the deadline day signings of attackers Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet as "really important".
Newcastle United's Fraser, 30, signed a two-year contract at St Mary's while West Ham's Cornet, 27, joined on a season-long loan.
Rangers pulled out of a deal to sign Sam Edozie, 21, on loan at the last-minute meaning Martin is left with a bloated squad for the Premier League.
However, he insisted the "experience" of Fraser and Cornet gives his struggling squad a better chance of survival this season.
"They give us experience in the Premier League, for one, which we don't have a huge amount of," he told the Daily Echo.
"They give us moments that can change a game. They give us flexibility as well on the top line, which will be really nice.
"They're going to be really, really important players for us. We will work with the squad in the best way we can. We have a big squad.
Fraser made 44 appearances for Saints on loan last season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists. He starred in the play-off final at Wembley.
Cornet, meanwhile, featured 37 times for West Ham over the last two campaigns - scoring just once in an injury-hit spell.
His best numbers came for Burnley during the 2021/22 campaign, where he netted nine Premier League goals in 26 appearances for the Turf Moor side.
The pair could take a couple of weeks to get up to speed with their match fitness, with Cornet carrying a minor knock upon arrival.
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