FRANK Lampard confirmed Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is fit to return and face Saints, who he labelled a “strong team with a good manager”.

Former Chelsea legend Lampard brings his Toffees side to St Mary’s for the second time when the Premier League returns following the international break on Saturday.

Everton visit off the back of a five-match unbeaten run but were swept aside comfortably 2-0 by Ralph Hasenhuttl’s charges in February.

They could be without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who Lampard admitted they will make a late decision on if he is ready to return ahead of this weekend.

“Yeah, we’re considering it. We’re working with Dominic to make sure he comes back with the best strength and fitness for us, so we’ll see,” Lampard said, speaking ahead of the clash.

“Any player that has recurrent injuries has a difficult time, it’s difficult to deal with because they want to play. All you can ask for is the players keep doing the right things to get back onto the pitch.

“We’re always searching for the best way to keep Dominic fit because we know the level of player he is, we’ve seen in previous seasons.”

Lampard is also without young full-back Nathan Patterson for the next five weeks after he picked up an injury on international duty with Scotland.

The 20-year-old adds to a lengthy list of concerns, but number one shot-stopper and England international Pickford is back to play – which Lampard labels “good news”.

Assessing the weekend’s opposition in Saints, Lampard added: They’re a strong team. There’s no doubt there’s a change of style this season, it’s quite evident the way they play.

“But they’ve got some good results this year, a good manager, good players, good attitude and good recruitment with energy and youth in the team. They have an interesting way of playing, so it will be a good test.”

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