© Reuters 2002

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Ecuador striker Agustin Delgado may not need surgery on a troublesome knee injury, according to his premier league club Southampton.

Delgado had a knee operation in November, two days after signing for Southampton from Mexican club Necaxa for 3.2 million pounds ($4.53 million), and the knee is still causing him pain.

However, club physio Jim Joyce told the Southampton website: "A scan did not show anything major and there is no indication he will need a further operation - or to go back to Ecuador.

"He still has some pain in the knee but it is improving and he is able to train."

Delgado is yet to score for Southampton but has only made two fleeting appearances for them after arriving in England boasting a formidable international record, netting 29 goals in just 43 appearances.

The 27-year-old shot to fame by scoring the winning goal against Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in March, Ecuador's first ever victory over the former world champions.

Ecuador will be appearing in their first World Cup finals in the summer.