James misses out

Lloyd James picked up his tenth yellow card of the season in the stalemate with QPR on Saturday, and he will now miss Southampton’s next two games.

James, 21, has played 35 league games for the Saints this season, and although naturally a central midfielder, he has adapted very well to the unfamiliar role of right-back.

Southampton are likely to struggle without James, as he looks set to miss two crucial games for the south coast club, with the first away to Blackpool and the second a home tie with Charlton Athletic.

With no other recognised right-back in the squad, James’ suspension is likely to give Head Coach Mark Wotte a bit of a selection headache.

Although the Dutch boss has defensive cover in the form of Zoltan Liptak, Olly Lancashire and Lee Molyneux, none of these players are used to playing in the right-back position.

It has been rumoured that Jake Thomson, who has recently returned from a loan spell at League Two side Bournemouth, is likely to deputise in James’ absence, with the youngster having featured at right-back for Saints’ Reserves in the past.