George Burley will use Saints' pre-season tour to look at some of the club's promising youngsters.

Saints flew out to Norway yesterday ahead of the first friendly against Svarstad tomorrow night.

Burley has taken young players Adam Lallana and Lloyd James with him along with keeper Michael Poke - who in fact is the only shot-stopper in the squad.

The manager said: "We'll look at players.

"Last season has gone and everybody starts afresh, that's always the case and nothing's certain.

"We'll look at some of the youngsters.

"Adam Lallana, Lloyd James and Michael Poke will be travelling, so there are a few youngsters to see how they go in training.

Scandinavia has long been a favoured pre-season destination for Saints as the opposing teams are fit, the conditions similar to England and there are few hassles for the squad to deal with.

"It's good going to Scandinavia because you are playing against teams that are fully fit and halfway through the season," explained Burley.

"Scandinavia is very laid back so you can also prepare for the start of the season".

Burley will examine his squad in training sessions as well as the two games - the other being against Kvik Halden on Wednesday.

That will give him an even clearer picture of where he needs to strengthen, though clearly the defence is a priority.

He also hopes that going away as a unit will help to gel the players together for the new season.

"It's nice to get the squad together," he said.

"Most of them know each other, but there are one or two new faces so you get that bonding.

"I feel we've got the nucleus of a good squad, the foundations are in place from last season and now it's a case of getting stronger and hopefully add to the squad.

"We need to add, no doubt about that.

"It might be the case of looking to try and wheel and deal financially. That's the situation.

"It's going to be a big challenge and a good test but bringing people like Adam Hammill into the squad is exciting and we'll be still looking to strengthen before the start of the season".

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