Darren Powell will aim to help Saints to their first win of the season on Saturday after making himself available to George Burley last night.

The big centre half has been sorely missed over the first three games of the campaign, all of which have ended in defeat for Saints.

Powell has been forced to watch from the stands after a sending off for violent conduct against Bournemouth in pre-season earned him a three game ban for the start of the season.

But he came through 45 minutes for the reserves last night unscathed and looking fit, powerful and ready for first team action.

Reserve team boss Stewart Henderson declared Powell now ready for a first team recall if, as expected, Burley throws him in to partner new signing Wayne Thomas when Saints host Stoke on Saturday.

He said: "I thought he did well.

"His timing in the air was good, he was very strong defensively and he looked fine and that's why we made the decision to take him off at half-time.

"If he's required for Saturday he's available."

For full story see today's Daily Echo.