THE extent of Saints' injury crisis in 2004/05 was further illustrated against West Brom when Antti Niemi pulled out with a knee ligament injury.

Amazingly, that now means that Saints have no players who are Premiership ever-presents after just 12 games of the season.

And Alan Blayney, called up to replace Niemi, pictured above, against the Baggies, was the 23rd player to appear for the first team this season!

Another stat which backs up how many changes Wigley has been forced to make is that of the starting XI on Saturday, only THREE - Claus Lundekvam, Mikael Nilsson and Kevin Phillips - started the opening day loss at Aston Villa.

Niemi should be back to face Pompey next Saturday - indeed, Saints on Saturday were not ruling him out of the Carling Cup tie at Watford tomorrow.