KEVIN PHILLIPS may look to gain match sharpness tonight when Saints Reserves take on Norwich at Staplewood (7pm).

The striker, pictured, has started just two games in the last two months after picking up an ankle injury against Newcastle and then losing his place to Senegalese transfer window signing Henri Camara.

Phillips scored in the FA Cup fifth round win over Brentford to take his tally for the season into double figures, but has largely found himself utilised from the bench in recent weeks with Peter Crouch and Camara forging a good partnership.

But boss Harry Redknapp is a huge admirer of the 31-year-old and may want him to get another game under his belt before Sunday's crucial Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.

Phillips is just one of a number of senior players who may feature tonight with the likes of Mikael Nilsson, Chris Baird, Neil McCann and also Brett Ormerod among the possible options for reserve team boss Stuart Henderson.

Marian Pahars is unlikely to feature after returning to training in the last week following a longstanding ankle problem.

It was thought that the Latvian might make his comeback, but he is not quite match fit.

With the likes of Yoann Folly, Leandre Griffit, Darren Kenton, Matthew Mills, Kenwyne Jones, Dexter Blackstock, Andrew Surman and Alaeddine Yahia all currently out on loan, Henderson is likely to blend some of the senior players with the youngsters, who have recently progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup.

He said: "There will be an opportunity for some of the younger lads and it is another step up for them. If the boys are doing well, we are keen to push them on.

"I've not hesitated to put them in and I would have no hesitation about playing any of those who got through in the FA Youth Cup last week."

Henderson also praised the influence of the established professionals around the club who have played alongside many of the youngsters in reserve team matches.

He said: "The senior pros have been excellent. They have always used these matches in the right manner and they have been a great help to everyone who has played.

"They are always keen to do well and help the younger players."

Saints Reserves have enjoyed another strong season in their Premiership South division.

They currently sit third in the table, just one point behind Crystal Palace, but 11 adrift of runaway leaders Charlton.

Saints, though, are the division's top-scorers with some 52 goals in 22 games.