Saints are hoping to give themselves a major boost by extending the loan of keeper Richard Wright until the end of the season.

The West Ham stopper is due to return to Upton Park after tomorrow's game against Burnley at St Mary's but Saints boss Nigel Pearson is now expected to keep Wright until the end of the campaign.

If the deal goes through today it will be a big shot in the arm for Saints with Kelvin Davis having recovered from his finger injury sufficiently to take a place on the bench but with it still being considered a risk to throw him back in.

Pearson said: "He's a very good keeper and, like Kelvin, he's a very positive person.

"Their influence on and off the pitch is big. His performances have been good and he's been a fresh face around the place and a good pro."

Wright has conceded just two goals in his four games for Saints so far and is hoping to extend his good run against Burnley tomorrow with a win at St Mary's which would push Saints very close to securing Championship safety.

With Davis and Wright, Pearson is happy he has the right men at the right time to fill a vital position.

"In regard to Kelvin he's been an absolutely model pro and although he's on the bench at the minute his problem with his finger has not cleared up totally."

For full story see today's Daily Echo.