Southampton have eased their defensive injury crisis by signing veteran centre-half Chris Perry from Luton on loan until the end of the season.The 34-year-old former Wimbledon and Tottenham defender will go straight into the relegation-threatened Saints' squad which travels to Cardiff on Saturday.

"Chris is a tough campaigner and a good pro who has played at the top level," manager Nigel Pearson told the club's official website.

"He will give us greater strength and further options, and I am delighted he is joining us."

Pearson has lost Andrew Davies to a fractured cheekbone while Ian Pearce has returned to Fulham following his injury-hit loan spell.

A third centre-half, club captain Claus Lundekvam, was this week forced to retire with a long-term ankle injury.

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