Ormerod on sub's bench

Southampton’s striker crisis hit desperation point as Brett Ormerod, who ended a month’s loan with Leeds by playing in their game at Brighton yesterday, was given a place on the Saints substitutes’ bench against a Birmingham side who have also found goals at a premium.

Dexter Blackstock, 18, made his St Mary’s debut for the Saints after being blooded at Everton last week but another teenager, Leon Best, was relegated to the bench for the return of French winger Fabrice Fernandes.