Darren Powell is ready for a massive test if he's thrown in at Torquay tomorrow.

The centre half has not even played a reserve game this season, having been sidelined with posterior knee ligament damage since April.

Powell was injured against Millwall on Easter Monday, the same match that saw Gareth Bale make his senior Saints debut.

But such is the extent of George Burley's injury problems, he looks set to be put straight in at Plainmoor for the FA Cup third round clash against a team 68 places below Saints in the Football League.

And on what is reported to be a tough pitch to play on, it's quite an ask for the 30-year-old.

"I'm ready. I'm just glad I'm back training and given a chance to play," declared Powell.

"It's been very tough - mentally very tough.

"One minute you see a bit of light and then nothing, back to square one picking up a little something again.

"I've missed training, playing, all of it.

"This is the first time I've had any knee problems and I didn't know what to expect."

Full story: See today's Daily Echo