Paul Jones is preparing to make his 200th Saints appearance against Leeds at Elland Road tomorrow - but knows he is facing renewed competition from rival Antti Niemi.

Jones, who has played the last two matches against Birmingham and Newcastle while Niemi has been out with a jarred knee, is desperate to cling on to his place.

His performance against the Magpies last week was outstanding and the Welsh international said: "I've enjoyed the games. After not playing for a good few months I went out there and enjoyed it and now I want to stay in the team.

"I have gone out and performed as I know I can and have already done for the club and hope do the same tomorrow.

"I've always wanted to play first team football and to play at Southampton and I still want that.

"You don't know what's going to happen in the future, a week's a long time in football, but hopefully I've made the gaffer think about it.

"I'll be disappointed if I'm not in the team but we'd have to take it from there.

"I want to play here - full stop - but if I don't then I know I need league games because of my international career.

"But they are all ifs and buts at the moment."

Niemi injured his knee in the 1-0 win against West Ham at Upton Park and initially thought he wouldn't miss a match.

It took him slightly longer than he had hoped to recover but insisted: "The knee is better and I'm fit for the weekend.

"Paul's played very well and it's difficult for the manager now.

"I've had a few days training but I'm trying not to think about going straight into the team. Like I said before the season, when I get my chance I'll try and take it, but whoever does best should be in the team.

"Jonah has kept a clean sheet against Birmingham and had an absolute blinder against Newcastle and, whatever the manager decides for Saturday, I'm going to support him.

"I want my place back as soon as possible because I've played the last three months every week and the feeling you get playing every week is not one you want to lose."

Saints boss Gordon Strachan said he is hopeful that virus victims Matthew Oakley and Anders Svensson will be fit for tomorrow.

But Jason Dodd (calf) could miss out along with Marian Pahars (ankle) and Agustin Delgado (back).

Striker James Beattie, aiming to improve on his league record of 11 goals in 16 league games, said: "It would be nice to score but I don't care as long as we win. But this will be a really tough game.

"Leeds have had a difficult time of it lately but they still have a lot of good players and had a great win at Bolton on Monday.

"That will have given the whole place a lift so we will have to go there and be very strong if we are to get anything."

"That will have given the whole place a lift so we will have to go there and be very strong if we are to get anything."