BRETT Ormerod will be keen to fill the big void that now looks certain to be left by James Beattie.

The duo have formed Saints' most prolific strike partnership of recent years, yet the arrivals of Kevin Phillips during the summer of 2003 and Peter Crouch this year have meant limited chances for the former Blackpool man.

But with Beattie now increasingly likely to be sold within the next week, Ormerod, pictured right, should see his opportunities increase.

Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Anfield was only his third league start of the season and he is now determined to stake his claim after what he admits has been the most frustrating period during more than three years with Saints.

Ormerod said: "It's been a difficult 2004 for the club and for me. It started off well, but since the start of the season it's been the worst period of time since I've been at the club.

"I've not let my head drop, I've tried to work hard in training and the manager has come in and given me a chance.

"It's was nice to get a start. It's been a frustrating season for me.

"I've hardly played. It's very, very frustrating. I went to Leeds on loan and it's nice to be playing.

"In 2005 I want to play in the team and score some goals."

New manager Harry Redknapp is an admirer of Ormerod's pace and work rate and looks likely to give Saints' 2003 FA Cup semi-final hero more chances.

The 28-year-old admits he has been given a fresh feeling of impetus since Redknapp has arrived.

"Football is about opinions," said Ormerod.

"Since the new manager has come in, I've been involved and it's been like a new lease of life for me. I'm enjoying training and happy to be involved.

"The gaffer is obviously trying different things - he wants to know his best eleven. It's nice being back involved, but it's up to the gaffer."

Ormerod was a regular during the hugely successful 2002/3 season.

He has largely been absent during this campaign and has even spent a loan spell with Leeds. Ormerod believes confidence is the quality that Saints must improve.

He said: "If anything we've got a stronger squad than any time I've been here. Confidence is a massive thing. When you are playing with confidence you think you can do everything.

"When there is that tentativeness in the team it doesn't help. But we have to be professional and play through it and hopefully we can get that win.

"You have got to try and keep your spirit. It's about scrapping to get the points on the board.

"We've proved we can do it. But we've got to do it against all the teams."

Although Saints were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool on Tuesday, Ormerod believes the improved performance gives them something to build on when they face Manchester City on Saturday.

He said: "We must try to take confidence for the Man City game.

"Manchester City will be fighting to get some form like us. But if we can show the same grit allied with a wee bit of belief, we can get a result.

"It will be a hard game but hopefully we can put a performance in and get a result."