Ormerod ready to tackle third match

Southampton striker Brett Ormerod admits he is “knackered” after playing two games in less than 24 hours, but is ready to go again when Saints face Carling Cup giant-killers Colchester United at St Mary’s on Wednesday night.

With top marksmen James Beattie, Kevin Phillips and Peter Crouch all nursing injuries, Saints were desperate for firepower ahead of yesterday’s home clash with Birmingham.

So head coach Steve Wigley gave Dexter Blackstock, 18, his home debut as a lone striker and sent an SOS to on-loan star Ormerod to fill a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Ormerod, who had been farmed out to Leeds United for a month after slipping down the pecking order at St Mary’s, completed the loan period on Saturday with a full run-out for the Yorkshire club in their Championship clash at Brighton.

But he told Wigley he was up for another game the next day and went on as a sub for Swedish international midfielder Mikael Nilsson after 64 minutes.

The Saints could not break the scoring duck that has now lasted four games but Ormerod, 28, said: “It was nice to be involved – even though I’m knackered now.

“The last time I played two matches in two days I was probably about nine years old and did it regularly. It is a bit different now and I need to put my feet up and get some rest.

“But after that I’ll then feel better and more refreshed.

“It is ironic because I went to Leeds because I needed games. I’m looking forward to Wednesday, though, and if we can win that cup game it will breed some confidence for the league.

“It doesn’t matter who it is against, it will still be a big game from our point of view. The main thing is we are off the bottom of the Premiership now with the point against Birmingham and a win this week will be another boost.”

Colchester, currently 11th in League One, knocked out West Bromwich Albion in the previous round.

Ormerod said: “Colchester will feel they have nothing to lose coming here.”

Wigley may stick with teenager Blackstock in attack for the cup tie but should have Phillips (torn calf muscle) and defender Graeme Le Saux back for the daunting visit to Arsenal next Saturday.

Midfielder Matt Oakley is also making good progress after a year out following knee surgery and may be ready for first-team duty next month at around the same time as Beattie (broken toe) and Crouch (knee).

Wigley is still looking for his first Premiership win after eight attempts but insists: “Although I’m desperate for that first win as long as I feel I’ve got the players with me I can be positive.

“I’m also confident in my chairman that he’s made it clear things are fine. And if I had to worry about things like that I couldn’t cope, I couldn’t do the job.”