Darren Potter, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international midfielder, has joined Southampton on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has only just recovered from a back injury but passed a medical at St Mary’s this afternoon and could make his debut against Leicester in the FA Cup on Saturday.

"Darren is a player we have been aware of for a little while now and we are pleased to be bringing him in," Southampton manager George Burley said.

"He’s got a lot of energy, he’s a good passer of the ball and he can play in a number of positions.  We think he has a lot of potential."

Potter played in five of Liverpool’s six Champions League qualifying games earlier this season and also featured as a late substitute in the Group G 0-0 draw at home to Real Betis.

He also started and finished the League Cup third round defeat to Crystal Palace but has not appeared in the Premiership.

His appearances, however, were restricted when he fractured a vertebrae in his back in December and he has only recently returned to training.

Southampton supporters will hope Potter can turn around the club’s fortunes. After relegation from the Premiership last season the club has struggled to come to terms with life in the Championship.

Southampton are currently 15th in the table, just nine points ahead of the relegation zone.  Frustrated fans called for chairman Rupert Lowe’s resignation following last night’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

Hearts were also interested in taking Potter to Tynecastle.