Michael Svensson took a huge step on the comeback trail on Saturday by pulling on a Southampton shirt for the first time in almost three years.The Swedish centre-half, who has been sidelined by a series of knee injuries and has made just seven appearances in over four years, played the first 45 minutes of Saints' 5-0 pre-season friendly win against Winchester City.

Svensson, 32, has been out of contract since last summer but has continued to train with Southampton following a make-or-break operation 14 months ago and could yet earn a deal with the south coast side.

"Svensson did well and he's on his way back," said Saints boss Jan Poortvliet.

"He's going pass by pass, step by step. I think we'll see how he does on Tuesday (against Salisbury) and we'll look at how his body recuperates, but I don't think it will be a problem because on the training ground he has been doing everything."

Stern John, Oscar Gobern, Jason Euell, Joseph Mills and Jamie White were all on target at Winchester.

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