KELVIN Davis has promised to use the experience gained at clubs like Ipswich to help a young Southampton side deal with the highs and lows of the Championship.

Derek Davis

KELVIN Davis has promised to use the experience gained at clubs like Ipswich to help a young Southampton side deal with the highs and lows of the Championship.

Davis made a string of outstanding saves at QPR with Blues boss Jim Magilton who was at Loftus Road to see Southampton spanked 4-1.

He even had an assist in the Saints goal that turned out to be of little consolation but Davis, signed for Town from Wimbledon, insists the Saints should not panic.

He said: “It is about keeping out feet on the floor and not getting too excited when things are not going for us and not getting too excited when we win a game.

“Ultimately games come thick and fast and it is about taking our chances when they come and I'm sure they will.

“It is up to us experienced lads to help point the younger ones in the right direction but a lot don't need it.

“They want to win and they are not scared of the situation. They can play football and they have shown that on the ball and on the floor and with the goal we scored on Sunday.”

The former Ipswich Town keeper will be up against his former Saints team-mate Richard Wright tomorrow night keen to come out on top.

Davis said: “We want to win game sand we have a chance to do that on Wednesday.”

Defensive duo Ben Thatcher and Gareth McAuley are both big doubts for the game at Southampton, although both will be examined again this morning before the team set off for the south coast.

Alex Bruce returns from a three-match ban and will challenge Dutch teenager Pim Balkestein for the slot alongside skipper Richard Naylor, while David Wright would remain at left back.

The Saints have even bigger woes at centre half with Oliver Lancashire suspended after being sent off against QPR, while Wayne Thomas and Michael Svensson are both still injured.