SOUTHAMPTON FC will now be sending their first team to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium for tomorrow's friendly fixture with Salisbury City.

Delighted Whites boss Nick Holmes said: "Southampton have now told us they will be bringing their full first team squad for the game. It could be that they start with a strong eleven - with the likes of Stern John and Andrew Surman - and then switch it around for the second half."

Former Saints star Holmes, said the game, which is City's first official friendly of the new campaign, has attracted plenty of interest among Southampton fans.

"It'll be a good game. We've had a lot of calls from people wanting to know what time it kicks off and how much it is to get in."

Salisbury played a squad game behind closed doors at Wellow on Saturday.

"It was a good 11-a-side game - everyone got 45-50 minutes," added Holmes.

Apart from goalkeeper Ryan Clarke (foot), Mike Fowler (eye) and Andy Sandell (ankle), City will have a full squad to choose from for the visit of the Championship side.

"I wouldn't expect any of our lads to play for more than 70 minutes at this stage of pre-season," added Holmes. "But you'd think it would be a good game. They're coming strong so you'd expect the Saints lads to be up for it - they'll be looking to impress the new boss there."

Holmes confirmed that goalkeeper Ryan Clarke has now had the cast removed from his injured foot.

"Ryan won't be doing anything serious for a couple of weeks.

"But the cast is off and he is doing his rehab and getting in plenty of swimming. He's been able to utilise the facilities at Parkwood Leisure Centre, so that's a real help to us."

Mike Fowler suffered an eye injury in training so will be rested, along with Andy Sandell, who has a slight ankle strain.

Kick off against Southampton is 7.45pm.

Admission is £8 (adults), £5 concessions, £3 (students) and £1 (children).

1:26pm Monday 14th July 2008

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