Howard back on the bench for United

Tim Howard is set to revert to bench duty tomorrow despite keeping a clean sheet in Manchester United’s Carling Cup victory over Arsenal.

The American was given the chance to shine against Arsenal’s second-string team but had little to do as United prevailed 1-0 against youthful opposition.

Howard is likely to be back on the bench though, with Roy Carroll expected to start against Southampton at Old Trafford tomorrow, when United will be chasing a fourth straight Barclays Premiership victory.

The signs are that he will have to wait for another league appearance, which is only heightening his appetite for a league comeback.

“There is no malice involved. I don’t wish harm on anyone,” Howard told MUTV. “But of course I want to get back in the team as quickly as I can. You look around and we are fortunate to have such a deep squad.

“Other teams are spending so much money, which is fair, but we have something like 25 internationals. It is difficult to crack but it makes for healthy competition.”

Wes Brown is set to continue at right-back should Gary Neville fail to recover from the virus which ruled him out of the win against West Brom at the weekend.

As with United, Southampton are caught in a tale of two goalkeepers, with Steve Wigley forced to choose between on-loan Kasey Keller and fit-again Antti Niemi.

Niemi has beaten a knee injury and is the likely choice to start at Old Trafford.

The Finn, who accepts Southampton have under-performed this season, believes they can still escape from relegation trouble.

Southampton have won only two league games all season and just once since Wigley took charge in August to lie third from bottom in the table.

Niemi said: “The situation we’re in is not good but this year we have been lucky. There are a few other sides who are struggling and if we can get a few wins we can climb up the table.”

Norwich and Fulham are jostling for position with Saints, and they meet at Carrow Road.

The Canaries learned yesterday that midfielder Gary Holt has been ruled out for a month after suffering complications to a rib injury.

The 31-year-old Scotland international was admitted to hospital with a rare condition – a haemothorax – where blood builds up between the lungs and ribs.

“It’s so rare it’s amazing really,” club doctor Peter Harvey said on the club’s official website, www.canaries.co.uk.

“But Gary is such a strong individual the problem wasn’t that apparent. He is facing a long recovery time but knowing how strong Gary is, hopefully he can get back sooner rather than later.”

Fulham received praise for their display from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho after their defeat in the west London Carling Cup derby on Tuesday.

“What Jose said was a good boost to the players – they will have seen the praise and will have appreciated it,” said boss Chris Coleman. “He also said a few good things about myself which was nice to hear.”

Fulham lost the game 2-1 but only to a late winner, and it was an encouraging display by the Cottagers.

A win for the Canaries would see the Norfolk club leapfrog Fulham and Coleman said: “It is going to be a really tough match but as long as we show the same levels of commitment as we did on Tuesday, we will be okay.

“It will be one of those games where there are a lot of nerves around. The team that takes the points will be the one who shows most courage.”

Portsmouth caretaker boss Velimir Zajec will become the “top guy” but not the new manager at Fratton Park, according to chairman Milan Mandaric.

Mandaric has expressed his preference for an English manager to replaced the departed Harry Redknapp, but executive director Zajec will still have a big role.

“He’s going to work very closely to the new head coach,” said Mandaric, ahead of tomorrow’s home match against West Brom.

“His role will be as my top guy. He will take care of everything that happens in the football club.”

West Brom captain Kanu has recovered from a groin injury in time for the trip south, when Bryan Robson will be seeking his first win as Baggies manager.

The Nigerian was ruled out of the home drubbing by Manchester United last weekend which pushed Albion into bottom position.