MICHAEL Svensson has warned Saints they will be up against a former striker with a never-say-die attitude on Saturday – Brett Ormerod.

The ex-St Mary’s star is back at Blackpool – the club Saints signed him from in 2001 – and is set to line up against Mark Wotte’s men this weekend.

Ormerod, 32, rejoined the Seasiders in January on a free transfer from Preston.

He scored his first goal in Blackpool’s 2-0 win over Norwich earlier this month.

Ormerod was part of one of the most successful Saints sides in the club’s history.

Along with Svensson he was a key component of the team that reached the FA Cup final and finished eighth in the Premiership in 2003.

Ormerod scored nine times that season, including the opening goal in the 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Watford, and was only denied a late equaliser in the final by a fine save from Arsenal’s David Seaman.

Svensson, who is now working as a coach at Saints while he tries to fight his way back to fitness, is the only remaining part of that team at the club and remembers his time playing with Ormerod well.

“Brett I remember when he played here,” he said.

“He was a tremendous player to have in your team.

“You know what you’re going to get from him.

“He rarely had a poor game and he always tried and worked his socks off.

“Even if he missed a lot of chances, he still worked.

“He tried to run a lot, he was very busy, closing defenders down and trying to get the ball.

“That’s what we have to be careful about.

“He’s a very brave player.”

For full story and more Saints news, don't miss today's Daily Echo.