KELVIN Davis has welcomed the signing of new goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, even though it reduces his chances of playing this season.

The Dutch stopper moved to St Mary’s last month, on a season-long loan deal from Fulham, to bridge the gap while Fraser Forster recovers from a serious knee injury.

The 32-year-old’s arrival means that Davis is again set to play a back-up role this term, but the club captain has no hard feelings about Ronald Koeman’s decision to bring another keeper in.

“I think for a few seasons now, the writing’s on the wall in terms of what the manager’s looked to do, and last season again he said to me there would be another goalkeeper coming in and I support that decision,” said Davis.

“There’s always only ever been one goalkeeper on the pitch at one time, and competition is good for everyone.

“I think the manager’s done what was expected, and let’s not forget that he’s brought an international goalkeeper to the club, with fantastic experience, and he’s a good lad as well. One that will fit into the dressing room nicely.”

Davis, 38, had finished last season in goal, after Forster suffered a patellar tendon injury in March.

With the recovery time from such a problem believed to be in the region of nine to 12 months, the England international is unlikely to be available until some point in 2016.

As well as Davis, Saints also have Paulo Gazzaniga, 23, on their books, and the Argentinian was given two games towards the end of the last campaign for Koeman to have a look at him.

Certainly to start with, Davis and Gazzaniga will be competing for a spot on the bench, rather than in the starting line-up.

However, Davis retains hope he can still play this season – in what will be the final one of his current contract.

If he is not involved, though, he insists he will continue to do everything he can to aid the team in his role as club captain.

“I like to think I’m not here just to make the numbers up,” he said.

“I hope that I can contribute and, whether that’s game time or behind the scenes, you can rest assured that I’ll be doing everything I can and everything in my power from whatever position I’m in.”