George Burley has backed his new signings to keep improving - and is still hoping to bring more in.

John Viafara had his best game for the club in Saturday's 0-0 draw with West Brom at St Mary's but Rudi Skacel came off ten minutes after half-time looking tired.

Neither of the two have had any pre-season to talk about and have been thrust straight into Championship battle with three games inside six days.

Now, though, there is a short break for Saints and the new signings to regroup before they take on Barnsley this weekend.

Burley said: "John is still short of match fitness.

"The same goes for Rudi Skacel.

"He only trained for a week before playing three games in a week.

Burley is still targeting more defensive cover as soon as possible. He was relieved that both Gareth Bale and Pele came through fitness tests on thigh injuries to play on Saturday as - with injuries to Claus Lundekvam, Michael Svensson and Darren Powell - there is very little cover at the back.

"We only have one experienced centre back," said Burley.

"Chris Baird has done well but Claus, Michael Svensson and Darren Powell are injured and young Gareth is our only left-back.

"We haven't got the biggest squad in the world. We've talked to clubs about one or two players on loan and we'll continue to do that."

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