JEFF KENNA today goes under the knife fearing the unkindest cut of all as Blackburn prepare for almost certain relegation.

The former Saints full-back needs an Achilles tendon operation but he says that will be nothing compared to the pain of dropping out of the top flight.

If Brian Kidd's team fail to beat his former club Manchester United at Ewood Park tonight then they will join Nottingham Forest in Division 1 next season.

That will leave Saints and Charlton battling to avoid the other slot and Kenna is convinced his former club will pull clear by winning at home to Everton on the final day.

He said: "I fancy Saints strongly to win on Sunday. I really can't see them slipping up and that would put us down whatever happens tonight. "It is looking grimmer by the day for us and it is asking a lot for us to stay up because our fate is not in our own hands and that is the worst position to be in. And we have to play Manchester United who are going for the title.

"I don't know if I'll even get to see the game on television. It depends on the operation to scrape out the sheath around the Achilles.

"I will be in plaster for ten days but hopefully back for preseason - whichever division we are in.

"I still can't quite believe we are in this position. It has been a nightmare but we have not done it and now we may have to take our medicine.

"It is funny how things work out. I have had a championship medal and played in Europe since coming here but after successfully coming through so many relegation battles with Saints I could now go down with Blackburn.

"If it does happen then I just hope Saints don't go too. I would hate to see them go down but they have one foot across the finishing line.

"They have worked really hard to get to this position and they won't let it go now. I know from my own time there that they will hold their nerve and with their home form I would be very surprised if they don't win.

"They have plenty of experience of staying up on the final day - and Le Tiss is bound to pull out a bit of magic. I am sure he does it deliberately." Saints midfielder Chris Marsden today sees a specialist about his persistent pelvic problem but he said: "I will definitely be OK for Sunday. I will play through it whatever."

Le Tisser trained fully yesterday showing no ill-effects from his calf strain while Paul Jones has reported no reaction to his first game back from a back injury which seemed to have ruled him out for the season.

He said: "I have felt very stiff but that is just from not playing for so long. The back is fine which is remarkable considering I could hardly even walk a few weeks ago.

"The injection seems to have done the trick. The specialist had only a three-millimetre spot to aim at but he must have got it bang on because it has made a world of difference."

Arsenal's title bid hangs in the balance tonight after they lost 1-0 at Leeds at Elland Road. A Manchester United win over Blackburn would virtually seal the crown.

THE whole city will be behind the Saints in their survival struggle on Sunday and the Daily Echo will be giving you the chance to tell the team how much it means and to wish them well.

We want you to send us your brief Good Luck messages of support which will appear later in the week. You can fax them on 01703 424550, e-mail them to sportsdesk@soton-echo.co.uk or write to Sports Desk, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton SO16 9JX.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.