Saints pray for Pahars to be fit

Southampton are hopeful striker Marian Pahars will be fit for the start of the Premiership campaign.

The Latvian injured the same ankle that has kept him out for most of the past two seasons in Tuesday’s friendly against Swindon.

Pahars made just nine starts for Saints in the 2002/03 season, and only eight in the last campaign which he finished with a groin strain.

Club physio Jim Joyce told the club’s official website, www.saintsfc.com: “Marian took a heavy impact on his ankle and there was a very minor strain there but it should not put him out for too long.

“He is still undergoing treatment at the moment but we expect him back in training next week and he could be available for the start of the season.”