RORY DELAP is hoping to play a part in Monday's Sky-televised match at Villa Park.

The Southampton midfielder hardly trained last week after picking up a mystery calf injury.

The problem was so severe he had to pull out of the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Wednesday's 2-1 home Euro 2004 qualifying loss to Switzerland.

Delap, one of the most impressive players in the 2-0 Premiership win over Manchester City at St Mary's a fortnight ago, first felt the injury while training with his club eight days ago. He thought he had taken a kick as the calf was bruised, but it turned out to be a strain.

Saints contacted Republic boss Mick McCarthy, who was keen for Delap to join his international colleagues. But McCarthy promised to send the player home on Monday if he was not fit - and was true to his word.

The in-form Brett Ormerod should be fit to face Villa, who are the only Premiership side without an away goal to their name but who are unbeaten at home in four outings following an opening-day loss to Liverpool. Ormerod is making good progress after limping out of the 2-0 win over Manchester City, in which he scored both goals, with a hip complaint.

That took the Lancastrian's goal haul to five in two first-team games and eight in three if a reserve team triple is included.

Marian Pahars came off for Latvia in last Saturday's 1-0 Euro 2004 qualifying win in Poland suffering from the effects of a cold. He has trained all week but is suspended for the Villa trip after being sent off for a second bookable offence against Kevin Keegan's Blues - making it all the more important to get Ormerod fit.

With Kevin Davies staying on loan at Millwall for a second month, manager Gordon Strachan could include Jo Tessem, who stands by in case Ormerod is ruled out.

Southampton is expecting a huge rush of shoppers during half-term week when many lines are slashed in price at the Megastore and Saints Store in WestQuay.

The sale lasts one week and starts from Saturday, October 26.

The Saints are shaving 25 per cent off the red and white 'home' replica while many other lines are being reduced by 50 per cent, including polo shirts, T-shirts and sweat shirts.