GORDON STRACHAN is facing one of his toughest decisions as Saints manager this weekend.

For he has to decide whether Paul Jones or Antti Niemi should be in goal to face the might of Ruud van Nistelrooy and his Manchester United colleagues.

Jones is currently the man in possession of the No 1 shirt, and hasn't conceded a goal for 260 minutes of Premiership action.

But Niemi is Strachan's undoubted first choice, and the Finn came through a 90-minute reserve team run-out unscathed on Tuesday.

Opinion amongst the fans as to who should play against the reigning champions - as Saints seek their first win of the season - is divided.

Alan Frank said: "I don't think Jones has done anything to warrant being dropped. If Niemi was to come back in not fully fit and make an error, it would be a slap in the face for Jones, a possible blow to Niemi's confidence and a big minus as far as the fans are concerned."

But Mark Hendley admitted: "Niemi's a bit more bold, his approach is a bit more full on. Jones has done a brilliant job but Niemi's more confident."

Niemi, who was tracked by Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson before joining Saints last August, hasn't played a competitive match since being stretchered off in the FA Cup Final.

And fan Brian Alford said: "I'd stay with Jones for Sunday. We shouldn't rush Niemi back too quickly like we did for the final and do him more damage.

"We've got a more than capable, international class keeper in goal and there's no need to panic by rushing Niemi back.

"The problem with Jones is that he's always susceptible to the odd error or two."

See tonight's Daily Echo for what the fans say...