BLACKPOOL’S Brett Ormerod is hoping an injury jinx which has stopped him playing at Southampton for nearly five years does not strike again ahead of his side’s FA Cup clash with Saints.

Ormerod has not played at St Mary’s since returning with Preston North End in February 2006, just three weeks after leaving the south coast club on a free transfer.

Several injuries, including a broken leg during his three-year spell at Deepdale, have prevented him playing at Southampton since.

But, after recovering from a groin injury to make a late substitute’s appearance in Blackpool’s 2-2 draw at Bolton on Saturday, Ormerod is hoping to stay fit ahead in the build up to the January 8th third-round clash.

Ormerod, who scored one goal and made another when Saints beat Watford in their 2003 FA Cup semi-final, said: “We’d have obviouly preferred a home draw but it’s a big game for us and I’m already looking forward to it – St Mary’s is a fantastic stadium.

“I had a great time there, Southampton’s a fantastic club and was a big part of my career.

“I’ve got great memories of Southampton and this competition so hopefully I’m fit enough to travel as I’ve had a few bad injuries since then – usually when I’ve been about to play Southampton."

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