Marian Pahars could be out until the New Year after having his ankle put in plaster.

Saints' Latvian striker has struggled with injuries so far this season and now faces at least another three weeks on the sidelines.

His ankle will remain in plaster until December 17 when he is likely to need two weeks to get back to match fitness.

He said: "It has been one thing after another and I have not really got going yet. Being injured is the worst thing in football and this is very frustrating.

"I had an operation in the summer and that killed me. It is probably why I am picking up injuries so easily now.

"That put me out of the whole of pre-season and I am paying for it now. If you want the season to go well you have to be fit and those few weeks before the start of the campaign are when you build that fitness up.

"I will bounce back but I know I will have to fight to get back in the side even if I am fit.

"James Beattie is untouchable right now and Brett Ormerod and Agustin Delgado are both playing well so I will have to earn my place."

Other minor injury scares include Rory Delap, who bruised his finger celebrating at West Ham, and Antti Niemi who jarred his knee. Both should to be fit for the visit of Birmingham on Saturday.

Saints stars Wayne Bridge and Paul Williams will be signing copies of the new edition of the Saints Mag at the WestQuay store today between 4-5pm. Fans are advised to arrive earlier rather than later as demand for signatures is expected to be high.

Later tonight Antti Niemi and James Beattie will be attending the Ladies Night at the Saints Meagstore at St Mary's.

The night is for women only and all items in the store have 10 per cent off. Doors open at 7.30pm.