Paul Jones has admitted that he may have to leave Southampton if he fails to win back his first team place from Antti Niemi.

Welsh international Jones, 35, has watched Niemi make the Saints goalkeepers' jersey his own in recent weeks.

Jones, who is set to play for Wales against Azerbaijan in a Euro 2004 qualifier tomorrow, has made 203 league and cup appearances for Saints since he was signed by Dave Jones from Stockport five years ago.

But he has not played since his error at the Hawthorns gifted West Bromwich Albion a 1-0 win two months ago.

Jones, who played for Wales in their win against Italy last month, said: "At 35 it's not a good time not to be playing. I'll see if it affects my international position but I can't go anywhere until the transfer window.

"I will wait to see what happens over the next few months at Southampton and just weigh things up.

"I won't be banging on the gaffer's door just yet, that won't help him. But there does come a time when I will have to think about my own career.

"I understand the manager's problems, but I will eventually have problems of my own to consider.

"I hope we can get this Azerbaijan game out of the way with a good result and then I can go back to Southampton and consider the situation.

"I have two and a half seasons left on my contract, but it's not about money, it's about me playing football."

With Jones away on international duty and Alan Blayney, Scott Bevan and Neil Moss all out on loan, Saints are likely to turn to Gareth Williams for tonight's reserve game against West Ham at St Mary's (7pm).

Saints' decision to play reserve matches at their new stadium has proved popular with over 8,000 taking advantage of free admission to watch the 2-0 loss to Fulham a fortnight ago.

l Jo Tessem has been targeted by perennial Norwegian champions Rosenborg.

Former policeman Tessem has made eight of his 99 appearances for Saints this season and is still under contract.

But the 30-year-old ex-Molde player has refused to rule out a return to Norway later in his career.

Rosenborg are managed by Age Hareide, who said: "I had a talk with Tessem back in the summer. He is a good and verstaile player. We stay in touch."

Tessem said: "I know Age well and it's true that we talked in the summer. It was because of Age I went to Molde several years ago but I'm under contract with Southampton and have to relate myself to that."

l Dennis Bergkamp is a doubt for Arsenal's Premiership trip to St Mary's on Saturday after damaging his ribcage against Spurs.

Arsenal are awaiting x-ray results but manager Arsene Wenger is already set to drop Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva for the weekend match as the World Cup winner is wanted by his country for a friendly in South Korea.

Freddie Ljungberg is also a doubt for St Mary's. The goalscoring midfielder is struggling to be fit for Sweden's match against Slovakia tomorrow after suffering a knee injury against Spurs.

l Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage will have to serve a one match suspension after finally falling off the disciplinary tightrope he has been walking for almost two months.

The Welsh international collected his fourth booking in just six appearances against Newcastle United on September 28.

But he had avoided the fifth yellow card that would lead to a ban for seven weeks until yesterday when he was cautioned for a challenge on Fulham's Steve Marlet, who was sent off in the same incident.

Savage will be suspended for the Premiership encounter with Saints on December 7.