FRANCIS BENALI is hoping that Glenn Hoddle's departure will pave the way for a return to Southampton.

The rugged defender, pictured, is currently on loan with Nottingham Forest and featured in their 2-0 win at Portsmouth last Saturday.

He popped into familiar surroundings at Staplewood ahead of the game where Forest trained.

But as his loan spell at Forest winds down, Benali admits his chances of returning to the fold at his home town club have improved with Glenn Hoddle's departure.

He said: "I wasn't getting a look in under Glenn and it got to the point where I wasn't even making the squads.

"I'd like to think now that he's gone, that could change, although I haven't spoken to Stuart Gray yet."

Forest will have to make a decision this week as to whether to make Benali's loan move permanent.

As the third of the maximum three-month loan spell was brokered before the transfer deadline, Forest have registered Benali and would be able to buy him.

Forest are on the fringes of the play-off spots, and may want Benali for a last push.

But money is tight at Forest, who are reported to be losing more than £100,000 a week and Benali admits his immediate future is uncertain.

"I've got just over a week left of the third month's loan and nothing has been resolved one way or the other.

"I've still got a year left on my contract at Southampton and I can't say I would be too sad to come back.

"I still feel I've got an awful lot to offer the club and it would be good to come back and see how things go."

Forest boss David Platt would like to keep hold of Benali, but thinks it unlikely. He said: "I have probably got as much chance of signing Figo.

"Yes, I would love to be able to take Franny Benali, but at the moment I think it is going to be very difficult.

"If we are going to do it, it will probably be at the end of the season, and even that will be dependent on other things.

"Franny has done exceptionally well for us."