MARIAN PAHARS believes he can still figure for Saints in the Premiership this season.

The Latvian striker has been plagued by injuries again in 2004/05 and hasn't made a single first team appearance.

But he feels he has shaken off the ankle problem that has dogged him for the past few years.

He has even targeted a possible return to Premiership action before the end of the season on May 15.

Pahars, whose reserve team comeback against Chelsea last week was aborted by rain, said: "Fitness has never really been a problem for me.

"I have stayed fit even when I have been injured.

"But like anyone who has been out injured for a long time, I will need to find my touch and sharpness on the pitch.

"I had thought the season would be over for me but there are seven games left and it could happen.

"I might get a chance to be on the bench or get a game if I continue to progress.

"But it is a big squad and everyone wants to play so I can't expect to come straight back in."

The main problem for Pahars is trying to build up match fitness having now been robbed of three reserve team starts through a virus, a waterlogged pitch and a rearranged fixture.

The next reserve game isn't until Monday, April 18, with the one after that on Wednesday, April 27.

If he were to come through those games he could be in contention for the home match against Norwich three days later.

Pahars is desperate to get back and help out his teammates who he believes are "too good" to go down.

He added: "It is not right for us to be there with the ability we have - but unfortunately we are there.

"This is the first relegation battle we have had since I first came here when I scored twice on the last day of the season and we stayed up.

"It is a completely different story this year - we are just too good to go down.

"When you look at our squad there are so many internationals and a great manager and a lot of experience - we have everything you need to be a success."

Leicester manager Craig Levein will talk to the club's doctors before deciding whether to extend Darren Kenton's loan spell until the end of the season.

The Saints defender has been out for the last two weeks of his month-long loan at The Walkers Stadium after contracting the mumps.