SAINTS boss Stuart Gray threw out challenges to his younger players and to Paul Murray to make life difficult for him.

QPR defender Murray made a sound impression at right-back in last night's 2-1 win at Aldershot and Gray confirmed that he would be interested in taking the Bosman free player - if he can prove himself.

Gray said: "We looked at him at Carlisle before he joined QPR and we've always liked him.

"He's had some bad luck with injuries in his career, twice breaking his ankle.

"But if can prove his fitness then the ball will be in his court to take it further."

Saints would want to run a thorough medical rule over Murray following his injuries, but Gray (pictured) said: "He's a former England B international and he's got a touch of Francis Benali about him.

"He's got a good physical presence about him and he knows how to use the ball as well."

But, as well as Murray, Gray threw down the gauntlet to his younger players and declared they would get their chance in the first team if they warranted it.

And that could come sooner than some might think with the injuries to Chris Marsden, Marian Pahars, Jason Dodd and Dan Petrescu stretching the squad.

Gray said: "We had young scholars on the bench but they aren't there simply to make up the numbers.

"I've always believed that if they're good enough I will throw them in.

"The loss of the likes of Marsden and Pahars is their gain, they have the opportunity in these matches to hit me in the eye, and they should take it."

Gray's main concern was to get his players through their first work-out of the season and he said afterwards: "We didn't pick up any serious injuries.

"It was their first competitive game of pre-season and we didn't want any soft-tissue injuries."