BRETT ORMEROD returns to the starting line-up tonight for the visit of Newcastle to St Mary's.

The popular forward hasn't made a first-team start since Paul Sturrock took over as manager at the beginning of March.

But the new boss is committed to giving Ormerod his chance in the final two games of the season.

The recent good form of both James Beattie and Kevin Phillips has seen Ormerod limited to just 16 starts this season - largely during two fairly successful spells alongside both Beattie and Phillips.

He played in six consecutive games during December, as he and Beattie scored three goals each in a run of wins against Pompey (twice), Liverpool and Charlton.

Then in January and February, he played six games alongside Phillips, scoring twice, with Phillips netting three.

All season, Ormerod has scored six times at a comparable strike-rate to Beattie or Phillips.

With Danny Higginbotham ruled out tonight after having his appendix removed, Sturrock will make two changes from the team which drew 1-1 with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Either Darren Kenton or Stephen Crainey will replace Higginbotham at left-back, while Ormerod will come in for either Phillips or Beattie up front.

Crainey has only made three starts since his January transfer deadline day move from Celtic - in defeats at Arsenal, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough.

Sturrock likes to have the option of two strikers on the bench, meaning England under-18 international Dexter Blackstock should also make the final squad of 16 as he did against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Blackstock will then travel up to Yorkshire tomorrow morning to join Saints' Under-19 squad ahead of their play-off final second leg against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the evening.

As ever, though, the form of an ex-Saints striker will be attracting much attention tonight with Alan Shearer leading the line for Newcastle.

Sturrock added: "There are all different types of strikers and I do believe Newcastle play a style that benefits Shearer.

"There are lots of crosses coming in the box, he feeds off that. He has learnt his trade about good linkage.

"They appreciate his style and they have prolonged his career and I'm sure he could play beyond next season if he wanted to.

"At the end of the day, he is the one to keep quiet.

"If you lay off concentration at any time against Shearer, he will punish you.

"If you stand off this team they will cause you concern.

"Shearer is such a handful and defenders will have to be on top of their game."