SOUTHAMPTON boss Nigel Pearson is delighted to have signed keeper Richard Wright on-loan until the end of the season, writes Russell Greaves.

The West Ham stopper, who signed in the summer, has yet to make an appearance this season and has joined the Saints for one month.

Having attracted a total transfer-fee of £9.5million, Wright has never reached the heights that were expected of him after his big-money move from Ipswich to Arsenal.

He played just 12 times for the Gunners before being sold to Everton.

Wright moves to the south coast club with two England caps to his name and will help boss Nigel Pearson out of a very tricky situation.

Pearson told Saintsfc.co.uk: "I'm delighted to have got Richard. He is a quality proven keeper with plenty of experience."

The move comes after Southampton lost three goalkeepers in the space of ten days.

First-choice Bartosz Bialkowski injured a thumb in training, then his replacement, Kelvin Davis, cracked a finger in the match at Wolves, Michael Poke was the last to fall, damaging ankle-ligaments in the warm-up at Hull last week.

"It is a bizarre run of injuries but there is no point being negative," added Pearson.

"We had to address the situation and I'm very pleased to have Richard on board."

Wright will be thrust into the midst of a relegation battle, with the Saints just two points off the drop.