MATT OAKLEY hopes to play his first 90 minutes in over a year as Saints reserves take on Chelsea at St Mary's tonight.

The influential midfielder is hoping to step-up his comeback to a full match as he continues battling back to fitness and with it a first team recall.

Oakley hasn't been able to play a full 90 minutes in 14 months since being stretchered off at Middlesbrough with cruicate knee ligament damage.

Saints are going careful with him so as not to set back his progress but it could be another step on the road to recovery.

Oakley has steadily built himself up in Saints' second string over the past few weeks - first coming through 45 minutes against Leicester at Staplewood a fortnight ago then 70 last Wednesday at Norwich.

Saints have already made it clear he will have to complete two whole reserve matches before he could be considered for a first team place.

And with the game tonight, another at Coventry next Tuesday and a November 30 home game with Derby in the pipeline, that might not be too far away.

Steve Wigley is being cautious not to put too much pressure on Oakley but said: "In Matt Oakley you are talking about a top-class player. Someone I think, but for his injury, could get in anyone's team and do well.

"Fourteen months is a long time, but in training he has looked the best I've seen. There is the change of pace and to have him back helped.

"It will be better than signing a player if we get the likes of Matthew back.

"We know what he is capable of, he is well at home in this football club so he would be a massive boost."

Saints reserve boss Stewart Henderson will probably stick with a mainly young side against Chelsea but could field a few of the senior pros who missed out on first team action at the weekend to keep them sharp.

Premiership leaders Chelsea, meanwhile, are also likely to field a youthful team with many of their top stars away on international duty.

Saints are currently fourth in the FA Premier Reserve League south while Chelsea are fourth from bottom.