IT was a definite Yaya for Yahia last night.

Saints' Tunisian international centre half Yahia - pronounced Yaya - signed last month from Guingamp in France for £350,000 and looked comfortable on his St Mary's debut.

In an unusual move, and no doubt with the international break being taken into account, Steve Wigley gave some experienced first team squad members a game for the reserves.

They gave the recently-appointed head coach him plenty to mull over ahead of the next Premiership game against Charlton on Monday.

Here is Daily Echo reporter Adam Leitch's scouting report on the six first team contenders.

DARREN KENTON

Returning from his muscle pull, he looked comfortable early on but tired as the game wore on.

There was certainly no question mark over his blistering pace which he used to good effect to defend solidly.

Was given the job as captain for the evening and tried to boss the game from right back, though he was rarely able to make much of an impact going forward. Looked composed on the ball early on but, as the match continued, misplaced a few passes.

However, with all the defensive problems with Saints at the moment - only one clean sheet kept in the last 14 matches - he has definitely put himself back in the frame for a first team return.

JELLE VAN DAMME

Good chance for him to get a run out and keep his fitness levels up.

Might still struggle to get past Graeme Le Saux at the moment, but will push him for his place.

Was the more willing of the two full backs to get forward. His crossing wasn't great but he nearly scored with a piledriver of an effort that almost went straight through the keeper's stomach.

Defensively, he was very sound and certainly uncompromising.

ALAEDDINE YAHIA

Impressive for a debut. Looked at ease immediately.

Defensively he was strong, powerful and good in the air. He dominated the Spurs strike force physically and is a no-nonsense performer. He has a good touch on the ball, though was hesitant about carrying it too far out of position.

Possesses a real threat from set-pieces with a style that threatens to run straight through any defender that gets in his way. A very encouraging start.

NEIL McCANN

Didn't have the best of evenings.

The Scottish international gave the ball away a few too many times but, to his credit, he applied the right attitude to the game and worked hard throughout, winning tackles down the left.

Towards the end he got himself in some good positions to deliver crosses so, despite his absence from the first team, he has kept himself fit. Looked as though he needs more matches to get himself up to Premiership pace in terms of time on the ball.

BRETT ORMEROD

Certainly no thought of a change in style from Ormerod, who knows what he's good at. Took a few touches to find his best form but then was dropping deep to pick up the ball and running at defenders to cause massive problems.

Such an unselfish player, he could work well with any strike partner - but his ability to link-up with Crouch is encouraging.

PETER CROUCH

Superb display. Two well taken goals -- the second was an absolute cracker.

Also looked very good in all-round play. On the ground his touch was near faultless and he won almost everything in the air. He must now figure high in Wigley's plans. Looks ready for a Premiership run if a loss of form or injury to James Beattie or Kevin Phillips comes along soon.