Saints midfielder, Jo Tessem, is one player facing an uncertain future.

The 29-year-old Norwegian has not started a first team game this year and has been resigned to a role on the substitutes' bench.

He wasn't even on the team coach to Leicester last weekend and admitted: "This is a new situation for me. It is the longest time that I have gone without playing first-team football. It is like having a holiday.

"I have played every game, every pre-season match since I started playing professional football in Norway in 1994. For me, this is all a bit strange.

"It is a new situation and I don't know what to think. I get a bit fed up really with what is happening, but if you want to play football, you have to play games, and when you're not able to play games that makes it a bit difficult for you."

Tessem, a £600,000 signing from Molde two years ago, has spoken to Gordon Strachan saying that he needs more games under his belt. His last outing was for the reserves against Derby almost two weeks ago days ago.

Asked what options he had, whether he was prepared to bide his time, look to go on loan, or even seek a move elsewhere, Tessem replied: "I've got a contract with this club, and that's all I can say.

"I want to play football. I'm getting very well paid just to come in and train, I want to do something else."

He added: "I have had two good seasons with the club, so it is difficult to say why I am not playing.

"I am an offensive midfielder, and maybe we are a little more defensive, but I feel I should be capable of adjusting myself to some other position. It takes a bit of time.

"I will talk to Gordon again. I like communication, I like talking. He probably has a plan and if I am not in it, I hope he will say that."