BRETT ORMEROD could be in line for a place on the bench against Birmingham tomorrow - depending what happens for Leeds at Brighton this afternoon.

The 28-year-old striker returns to Southampton tonight after a loan spell at Elland Road and is eligible to feature in his second game in as many days.

Leeds are said to be sympathetic to Saints' injury plight and may try to avoid playing Ormerod for the full 90 minutes if circumstance allow.

Head coach Steve Wigley would not completely rule out the possibility of Ormerod appearing on the bench to help ease the injury crisis. He said: "Brett Ormerod is playing for Leeds. Any decision would depend on what happens with Leeds. I would imagine he will play 90 minutes and, if he does, that will rule him out.

"If he didn't play 90 minutes we could consider using him because of what type of lad he is, but I've prepared a team without him.

"I'm fully aware of Brett's situation. We have sent someone every game to see him which is something we do with anyone away on loan."

Wigley, though, looks set to start with Ormerod in next week's Carling Cup clash against Colchester.

He said: "Brett will be in and around the team on Wednesday night.

"Brett Ormerod will always bring something different. He works in behind and his movement is good. He has scored goals in the Premier League. He has been there and done it.

"He hadn't played much football for a few months. The reason he went is that when he comes back he could have an immediate impact."

Claus Lundekvam is the only one of last week's absentees definitely available tomorrow, although Graeme Le Saux is close to a return and could feature.

"We have got Claus Lundekvam back," said Wigley.

"Graeme Le Saux is back training, but no one else. But there are others on the way back. James Beattie has been in, Kevin Phillips is not far off. He will have a scan first thing Monday with a view more for Arsenal next Saturday than Colchester.

"Leandre Griffit and Arron Davies will be in and around the team. We are short on bodies a little bit. Leandre Griffit has had ten days full training and it is nice to have him back among us."

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is not expecting an easy time against Saints.

"They are going through a transitional period with a new manager. But, make no mistake, they will be very difficult.

"They have only picked up a few points and slipped into the bottom three so they will be wanting to make sure that they get a result.

"They have the same problem as us with the loss of Phillips, Beattie and Crouch - they are up against it at the minute.

"When you are struggling, that does happen so I am sure they will want their strikers back.

"We need ours (Yorke and Heskey) to stay fit because they are the only two we have got at the minute."