McCann makes Saints switch

Strachan is a long-time admirer of McCann

Southampton have completed the signing of Rangers and Scotland winger Neil McCann.

The 28-year-old underwent a medical at St Mary's on Monday and the clubs have agreed a fee of £1.5m.

The Scottish international has signed a four-year deal and will wear the no.10 shirt, vacated by Kevin Davies.

Saints boss Gordon Strachan has been a long time admirer of the speedy left-sided player and tabled a bid for McCann when he was in charge of Coventry City three years ago

"I wanted to sign Neil when I was at Coventry but never got the chance," said Strachan.

I really wanted to play for Gordon Strachan Neil McCann Southampton winger

"So now I'm delighted to get him for Southampton.

"I thought it was about time I signed him before he retired."

McCann, who has won 16 caps for Scotland, will get an early opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot with Chris Marsden sidelined for a month following a knee operation.

"I really wanted to play for Gordon Strachan," McCann told the Southampton website.

"I knew a lot about him as a footballer and what he has done in management as well.

"Obviously Southampton are going places and being in the Premiership as well you can not really beat that.

"Hopefully, I can fit in and do my part for the team in pushing them higher up the table."

The former Dundee and Hearts player's arrival means the FA Cup finalists will not pursue their interest in Real Sociedad winger Javier de Pedro in the short term.

A club statement read: "De Pedro is keen to sign a pre-contract agreement in the New Year to enable him to come to Southampton on a Bosman free in a year's time."

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