RUDI Skacel is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury - but the blow could be softened by a timely international break.

Czech midfielder Skacel, who has filled in at left-back this season, damaged knee ligaments in the first half of Saints' 3-2 win over Stoke at St Mary's on Saturday and didn't appear for the second period.

The 28 year-old is set to undergo a scan today to reveal the full extent of the injury.

But, after their trip to QPR this Saturday, Saints have 15 days off due to an international break before their next game at Watford, and Burley said: "Hopefully he doesn't miss too much."

Full story in today's Daily Echo.