Even earlier this season, Davies had done little to justify a new deal. However, he has worked hard and has deserved his walk on role as a Saints sub.
What is really in his favour is that behind Beattie, he's the most likely Saints striker to get a goal. Davies takes up good attacking positions and looks determined to get on the end of chances. His ability to get goals puts him ahead of Ormerod and Tessem in the pecking order. With Pahars and Delgado still injured, it would seem foolish to let Davies leave at the end of the season.
There's no reason why Davies can't have his contract extended and give Strachan another attacking option.
For his part, Davies would really love to stay.
"I still don't know what is happening but I would love to stay here," he said.
"I spoke to the manager about it after the Millwall game and he said there might be something for me but it was up to me to keep working hard and to earn it.
"I am settled here, it is a good club and there is a great bunch of lads. I want to be part of it but I am open-minded. If I have to move on then so be it.
"I have not started a game this season but I have come on as sub 11 times and I am working hard to get in the team.
"It is a case of working hard and seeing what happens. I have tried to do that in training and in the Reserves.
"I scored for them last week against Arsenal and you never know I could end up facing their first-team in Cardiff!
"But I am not thinking that far ahead. I am just trying to get my head down and do as well as I can to try and earn a new deal here or to impress anyone watching me."
"That is gone. It is in the past and it is not an issue. But the past two years have pretty much passed me by.
"I have been in and out of the side but I have played under eight different managers in seven years which has not helped.
"I still have confidence in my own ability and that is a big thing. I remember when I was first here the feeling that everything I hit would go in - the way James Beattie is feeling now. He has done superbly.
"Goals are a big part in confidence and hopefully this one will have helped - especially the timing of it. it was nice to snatch something right at the death.