YOU'VE been in the job less than a week, you've already suffered a 3-0 defeat - the club's biggest of the season - and the injury crisis reads like a 'who's who' list of Saints stars.

At times like this, you can only be optimistic.

That was the buzz-word for Saints' new head coach George Burley as the club prepares for tonight's clash against second-placed Sheffield United with EIGHT players unavailable and THREE more needing late fitness checks.

Burley will again be forced to field a number of youngsters despite them being horribly exposed by third-placed Watford on Boxing Day.

But the new Saints boss is not concerned, admitting that he hopes the likes of teenagers Theo Walcott, Martin Cranie, Matthew Mills and Nathan Dyer take their chance in the limelight.

"There are a number of exciting young players here," he said.

"Sheffield are second in the league so it's going to be a tough game.

"We've a number of experienced players out. We trained today and we'll look at things again tomorrow.

"It's going to take a few weeks to get things moving, but that's the way it is and we are optimistic."

Those players unavailable are:

Danny Higginbotham - groin injury could keep him out for three weeks.

Claus Lundekvam - back in training after two cracked ribs against Leeds but not yet fit.

Matt Oakley - hamstring strain against Watford.

Darren Kenton - calf strain.

Kamil Kosowski - hamstring, out for three weeks.

Michael Svensson - Out until New Year after another knee op.

Marian Pahars - knee.

Dennis Wise - in discussions with the club over his future.

A late fitness test will be given to keeper Antti Niemi but he remains doubtful having not trained since falling ill 75 minutes before the Watford loss.

Other fitness concerns surround Darren Powell (hamstring) and Kenwyne Jones (calf), though Burley rated both players as "possibilities" yesterday.

Nigel Quashie and David Prutton are likely to occupy the central midfield slots with Neil McCann coming into the left midfield slot.

Burley could also opt for Ricardo Fuller up front in place of Brett Ormerod to give Saints' attack some much-needed muscle against the experienced Blades.

In defence, Hajto could continue despite scoring an own-goal after coming on at half-time against Watford.