SAINTS top scorer Marian Pahars is struggling to be fit in time for Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.

The Latvian has a calf strain and, according to manager Gordon Strachan, he is a major worry.

Strachan said: "It is not looking great. We shall obviously have to leave it as long as we can and see how it goes.

"But, if Marian cannot make it, then that opens the door to Brett Ormerod to have a go."

Anders Svensson, who played in the 1-0 defeat against Everton last Saturday but was ill in the lead-up to the game, is fit again.

However, Chris Marsden continues to struggle with a problem centred around his ankle and calf, first picked up in the game at Blackburn and he is struggling to make it. He went to see a specialist about the injury on Tuesday night to sort out the niggle which has meant he has missed the last two matches.

"It is still very sore," he admitted. "I have not been able to do any kind of training.

"With the break next weekend, I now have a fortnight to try and get ready for the last match against Newcastle.

"I will be gutted if I miss that too, but at least there is no urgency to get back if I am not right."

Jo Tessem, who took a bang to his head in a clash with Steve Watson last Saturday, should be okay. He was substituted at half-time at St Mary's.

"I did not see much of the second half, although I gather I did not miss very much," said Tessem.