DETERMINED defender Graeme Murty could be back at Saints next season – despite being released last week.

The experienced full-back was let go by manager Alan Pardew after a frustrating, injury-plagued year at St Mary’s.

Murty featured just nine times during 2009/10 after suffering serious knee and ankle ligament injuries.

But Pardew has allowed the 35 year-old, who is still recovering from the ankle injury, to continue his rehab at Staplewood during the summer.

He has also offered him the chance to join in Saints’ preparations for next season.

Murty has received no guarantees from Pardew about what might happen after that but said he would “love” to be at Saints next term.

But if not, he is confident he can do a job for someone else.

Murty said: “He (Pardew) said ‘it was a difficult decision (to release me) but because we don’t know what’s going to happen regarding your ankle we are not in a position to offer you a contract at the moment.

“‘But you are more than welcome to do your rehab at the training ground over the summer and come and join us for pre-season.

We will see what happens from there.’ “There are no guarantees.

“He (Pardew) just said ‘we will have a chat over the summer to see how you go. If things go well we will have another discussion.’ “That’s more than I could have asked for and I’m grateful he has given me the opportunity to do pre-season and try and get myself in good condition.

“In football you never know. It might just happen that someone needs a right-back.

“It maybe Southampton or it maybe somewhere else.

“But I still have the necessary qualities to be a strong rightback.”

Murty heaped praise on Saints’ medical staff, saying “they deserve a huge ovation for the work they have done for me.”

The player, 36 in November, is aiming to be over his ankle injury by the time pre-season training begins.

And he has thrown himself into the rehab process in typically wholehearted fashion – but not everyone is happy about that.

“I have to put all my energy into getting my ankle better than it was before,” he said.

“I have been in non-stop, swimming, doing weights, CV, core work and stretching.

“This is every day for me.

“I won’t be having a holiday and as you can imagine my wife is delighted!

“She wants to go away.

“She can go and take the little one with her but I’m not going anywhere.

“This is part of the sacrifice you make as a footballer. C’est la vie!”

Reflecting on his disappointing season at Saints, Murty said: “It’s been a very frustrating season.

“The two injuries have been major injuries and I fully understand his (Pardew’s) decision (to release him).

“But if anything it makes me even more determined to get back fit and stronger than ever because I still fully believe I have what it takes to play professional football at a high level.”

He added: “As impressed as I have been with the team, you still think you can add to it.

“And not being able to contribute is the toughest thing for any footballer.

“We all think we can help and bring something different, but it was not to be so I’d love to have the opportunity again.”