Wigley hopes to save Saints job

Steve Wigley faces a crucial south coast derby with defeat by Portsmouth at St Mary’s likely to end his command of Southampton’s fight for Barclays Premiership survival.

But the rookie head coach had key players back for his bid to taste league victory for the first time in 11 attempts.

Striker James Beattie, French winger Fabrice Fernandes and former England full-back Graeme Le Saux all lined up for the home side, as did on-loan Tottenham goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp slightly curbed his normal attacking instincts as he brought in England Under-21 midfielder Gary O’Neil for his first league start of the season, in place of striker Ricardo Fuller.