Pahars misses Saints opener

Marian Pahars, Southampton’s leading scorer last season, has been ruled out of his side’s opening game of the new Premiership season against Middlesbrough tomorrow by injury.

The Latvian is not expected to be fit for another two weeks as he recovers from a groin operation which he underwent during the summer.

Brett Ormerod will line up alongside James Beattie up front while Swedish defender Michael Svensson, a £2m (€3.12m) close season signing from Troyes, is in contention to make his debut.

Ecuador duo Agustin Delgado and Kleber Chala are sidelined by knee injuries, midfielder Mark Draper has an ankle problem and defender Tahar El Khalej starts a three-match suspension.

Provisional squad: Jones, Dodd, Lundekvam, Williams, Bridge, Telfer, Delap, A Svensson, Marsden, Beattie, Ormerod, Fernandes, Oakley, Davies, M Svensson, Benali, Moss.