Southampton boss Ronald Koeman was delighted after securing Steven Caulker from QPR.

The 23-year-old defender has joined the Saints on a season-long loan following the injury sustained by Florin Gardos which will see him sidelined for up to seven months.

Caulker joins Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida as noted central defenders at St Mary's and Koeman feels the arrival of the former Tottenham and Swansea City man is important for his squad.

"We're very pleased to have him because we need players in that position," Koeman told the club's YouTube channel.

"We need the competition there.

"He is still a young player and he's already made his debut in the national team. He had a difficult season last year with QPR and for Steven it's a good opportunity to be part of the Southampton family.

"I had a good talk with him, a very positive one. He looks like a good professional and good professionals are happy and involved at Southampton.

"It's a good signing for us because we are a little bit weaker in that position than others in terms of numbers. We now have a player with experience in the Premier League and that's very important."