Saints striker Lee Barnard has rejoined former club Southend United on loan for the rest of the season.

The 29-year-old has not played a game for any side this season, but will now bid to help the League Two outfit as they chase promotion.

He is expected to go straight into the squad for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round visit of Hull.

Barnard joined Saints from Southend in January 2010, and has made 73 appearances and scored 24 goals. He is due to be out of contract this summer.

The forward said: “I've come home to the club where I had a fantastic two years before moving on to Southampton.

“I really enjoyed my time here the first time around and I'm just hoping for more of the same this time around, with just as many goals.”