Delap aims for festive return

Southampton midfielder Rory Delap is chasing a return to the first team for tomorrow’s trip to Fulham.

The versatile Republic of Ireland international twisted his ankle in training last Friday and missed out on Sunday’s derby victory over Portsmouth as a result.

However, the former Derby man is insistent that the injury is not a recurrence of a problem he had last year.

“It is the same ankle but a different injury and hopefully not as bad,” Delap told the club’s official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk.

“When I did it I felt it was even worse than last time but it has settled OK and I have not given up on the Fulham game yet.

“That might be a bit soon but if so then I should be OK to face Arsenal on Monday [December 29] if it keep going the way it has been.”

The fourth-placed Saints are expected to line up at Loftus Road with Marian Pahars up front after he was on the mark against Pompey, while Danny Higginbotham should deputise again for Graeme Le Saux, who now has a sore throat after overcoming a minor hamstring problem.

Goalkeeper Antti Niemi is predicting a difficult game against Chris Coleman’s side, who have arguably been the surprise team of the season.

The west Londoners were tipped for the drop by many pundits but at Christmas are in the hunt for a European place.

“They are a very exciting team and they have had some cracking results this season beating United away and things like that,” Niemi said.

“Going forward they look like a very good side. Every time I have seen them on TV they are nice to watch.

“[Louis] Saha is banging in the goals and there are some exciting players there so it is going to be a difficult fixture.

“But we are confident at the moment and hopefully we can make it a Merry Christmas for all the fans.”