DEAN RICHARDS is ready to return to the Saints defence for tomorrow's trip to Ipswich.

The influential centre-back has missed the last two games with a troublesome hamstring tweak but came through training yesterday.

Provided there is no reaction before the game, he will come straight back into the side, probably taking over from Tahar El Khalej who gave an heroic display in the 1-0 win over Leeds.

El Khalej has been nursing a slight knee ligament injury since then but also came through training yesterday.

Manager Glenn Hoddle said: "Both injuries seem to have settled down but then we thought that about Dean this time last week so we are not out of the woods yet."

Richards, who scored the winner when the sides met in the FA Cup last season,has noticed a significant improvement this week but is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "I think I should be able to play - but then I thought I was going to play at Arsenal two weeks ago.

"I even had a fitness test on the day, although to be fair I was nowhere near. It has taken longer to clear up than I thought.

"But there are a lot of important games coming up in a short space of time. They will put it under a lot of strain so it is important to get it right.

"It feels better so hopefully I will be able to play at Ipswich. I have happy memories of going there.

"I scored there last season and even when I was at Wolves I always seemed to get good results there.

"One of my best friends plays for them. I was with Jermaine Wright at Wolves for four or five years and we have kept in touch.

"Although he was on target against Leeds, he does not get many goals - but every time I speak to him he reckons he should have scored! I just hope it is not the case on Saturday."

If fit, Richards will be charged with the task of stopping in-form striker Marcus Stewart who has hit 10 Premiership goals already this season.

He added: "I played against him when he was at Bristol Rovers and he is a very good player and a great finisher. His confidence is sky-high right now and he is scoring goals for fun.

"The whole of the Ipswich team though will be very confident after the win at Liverpool and the start they have had.

"The bulk of the side is the same as the one we beat last season but they have done really well so far."

Unless Hoddle reverts to three at the back, El Khalej is likely to move back into midfield, possibly at the expense of Hassan Kachloul following his red card against Leeds.

* Saints' all-ticket December 27 clash at The Dell against Tottenham is now a complete sell-out.