KEVIN Phillips is facing around three weeks out of action after being diagnosed with a ligament sprain to his ankle.

In a cruel twist of fate, Saints look certain to lose their talismanic captain for Saturday's clash with Liverpool, the FA Cup showdown against Portsmouth and probably the trip to Birmingham on February 2.

Phillips looks most likely to be targeting the visit of Everton on Sunday, February 6 or the crucial relegation six-pointer at West Brom the following Saturday for his return.

A scan yesterday revealed the extent of the ankle problem the club's nine-goal leading marksman picked up in the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

News of Phillips' injury could further encourage manager Harry Redknapp to take immediate action in the transfer market after Saints yesterday completed the £2.1m signing of Portsmouth midfielder Nigel Quashie.

"Kevin Phillips has got a bad ankle and we will just have to wait and see," said the Saints boss. "He's not going to be fit in the next couple of weeks. He's a terrific player - him and (Peter) Crouch were doing well together so it's a blow.

"Kevin is a terrific character. He wants to win and that's the type of character you need around. I've always been a big fan of his and even more so now.

"If anyone can get fit it will be Kevin. He wants to play and hopefully he will be back in February.

"I still need another two players. I'm looking for someone who can play through the middle but who can maybe play wide.

"That's the type of striker I would like, but it's not easy to find."

With James Beattie having been sold to Everton and Phillips currently sidelined, Redknapp has been forced to closely assess his attacking options.

Peter Crouch has recovered from the slight knee problem he suffered against Newcastle, while Brett Ormerod and Dexter Blackstock are both now vying to face Liverpool.

"It's an opportunity for someone else and whoever comes in has got to do a job," said Redknapp.

"I like Brett Ormerod. He works his socks off every time he plays, you couldn't get a fella with a better attitude.

"I've got him and Dexter Blackstock so we will just have to have a look."

There is also the option of Kenwyne Jones, who has returned after a hugely successful month loan spell at former boss Paul Sturrock's Sheffield Wednesday which saw him score seven goals in as many League Two games.

"There are other clubs that want to loan him from the First Division so we thought if he was going out on loan again we would maybe step up a level and see if he can do it there," explained Redknapp.

"But we will have a think about it. With Kevin being out I might have to see how we go with him. But he did very well. It will be interesting to see how he looks."

Redknapp also revealed that he came agonisingly close to capturing a mystery transfer target.

"I thought I had a boy in," he said.

"I made an offer that was accepted but then had a phone-call from a big, big club so I'll be blown out of the water, wages and everything else.

"It was a player abroad - one I'd been after for quite a time, but I won't get near him now."

There was better news on the injury front yesterday for goalkeeper Antti Niemi.

The Finn was stretchered off against Newcastle but has suffered only bruising to his knee and should be available to face Liverpool on Saturday.

Defenders Darren Kenton and Jelle Van Damme, meanwhile, are back training after returning from injuries.

But 19-year-old winger Eddie Anaclet is facing between ten and 12 weeks out after fracturing his ankle yesterday in training.