Strachan anxious over hero Ormerod

Gordon Strachan is waiting anxiously to find out more about the injury in-form striker Brett Ormerod picked up against Man City.

Ormerod scored twice in the first half to sink the Blues at St Mary's, but limped off in the second period with an ankle problem.

The former Blackpool man made it five for the week following his hat-trick against Tranmere in the Worthington Cup.

Ormerod has single-handedly ended the Saints goal-drought and Strachan admits he needs to get him back as soon as possible.

He said: "We've been struggling for goals, everybody knows that but we've improved a great deal in the last 20 yards of the field lately.

"Ormerod scored a hat-trick against Tranmere and a hat-trick in a reserve game the week before that. He would probably have got another one today but for his injury. I don't know how long he'll be out yet but we would miss him the way he's playing. He's shown a great mental attitude and strength and he's made me pick him.

"It's the best we've played all season. Everyone did their job well. James Beattie didn't score but he set the level for us and we stayed up there."

Strachan said he was confused over Marian Pahars' dismissal, after referee Matt Messias gave him a second yellow for diving in the closing stages.

He said: "The ref booked him for a tackle in the first place but any referee who does that should conduct a seminar because we know Marian doesn't tackle. He couldn't have been for dissent either because he doesn't speak."

Messias explained Pahars first offence on his report card as "unsporting conduct" which was inconclusive, but used the word "simulation" to explain the second yellow and the consequent red.

Pahars will be banned for one match, but Strachan said: "I don't know whether it was a penalty or not because I didn't have a clear view. Marian says he was dragged down and all I can do is believe him. But if I find the first booking was for dissent I might have to fine him."