Burley no doubting Thomas

Last updated : 16 August 2007 By Chris C
Thomas is a no nonsense experienced Championship defender and at 28 just the right age. He is big, quick and aggressive, getting more than his fair share of bookings. In short just what Saints lack at the back.

As Roger Moore put it so well in yesterday's column, he can be the road-sweeper to balance the violinists (Lawrie Mac will explain, Wayne!).

He has had his share of injury problems with the oh-so-fashionable footballing double of a cruciate ligament and broken metatarsal on his CV. However, his injury problems look largely behind him and he is fit and ready to step into the breach after a decent outing in Burnley's first game of the season.

The fee has surprised many Burnley fans, particularly for a player in the last year of his contract, but with Saints in desperate needs of reinforcements and with £1m banked from the Pele sale, it should represent a good deal for all parties.

Saints are also reported to have Saint Etienne right back and Mali international Fousenni Diawara on trial, with the player available on a free.