Theo Walcott will be spared the burden of carrying Saints' goalscoring hopes on his young shoulders for the sake of his future.

New boss George Burley says 16-year-old Walcott will be in and out of the team when it is deemed appropriate rather than relentlessly continuing with him and risk a burn-out.

Walcott was going to be gently eased into the first team this season but such has been Saints' problems in front of goal that he has ended up playing most games over the past few months, and is the club's joint top scorer with four.

Burley left Walcott on the bench for the Sheffield United match in midweek, having started him at Watford, and insists this approach is the best way forward for him and the likes of Natahn Dyer.

He said: "Theo's 16 and it's a very physical battle.

"The worse thing we can do is over-play him. He's there and very involved.

"He played 90 minutes against Watford and will do that again - and some games he'll be on the bench.

"It's very important for his future not to push him too much every game at 16.

"For him to play as much at first team level is absolutely terrific. The same goes for young Nathan, who did well at Burnley and played in both games I've been in charge.

"He's another one with great ability."

Walcott could start tom-orrow in the club's match at Cardiff but Dyer will be out after taking a kick on his knee against United.

Antti Niemi (virus), Darren Kenton (calf) and Darren Powell (hamstring) are touch and go for the new year's eve match.

Still definitely out are Danny Higginbotham (groin), Claus Lundkevam (ribs), Matt Oakley (hamstring), Kamil Kosowski (hamstring), Michael Svensson (knee) and Marian Pahars (knee).

Burley was upbeat after the performance against Sheffield United, despite the 1-0 defeat and says he will be looking to the future when it comes to playing young players.

"It's nice to see the young players but it was classic against Sheffield United - a little lack of experience cost us but them playing is only going to make them stronger," he said.

"Sometimes loans can be good. Dexter and young Nathan went out on loan and came back and are in the first team. You want to win games and, at the moment, we're assessing players - a lot of the young ones. It's not easy but I think we've showed there is promise for the future.

"The players are working hard for each other but we've got to be patient to get consistent results.

"We'll bring young players through but the ethos is to get the club back in the Premiership and that will be with young players and experienced players.

"It's forming a team. I've always been one wherby, if you're good enough, you'll get an opportunity."

Burley was only appointed Saints boss a week ago, yet tomorrow is his third match. He added: "The frustrating thing of four games in eight days with key players out is not being able to do any of the basics on the training field."