Defender Jan Bednarek will miss Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with West Brom due to suspension.
Shown a fifth yellow card of the season in last weekend’s win over Millwall, the Poland international will now serve a one-match ban.
The 27-year-old’s absence will force Russell Martin into a change against The Baggies having named an unchanged starting XI in the last two outings, something the Saints boss feels relaxed about.
“I’m disappointed [Jan is out] as he’s been such a big player for us, but whenever anyone misses a game for any reason it’s an opportunity for another player.
“Mason [Holgate] came in against Preston and did very, very well for Taylor [Harwood-Bellis] and if he comes back in tomorrow, whether it’s him or Shea [Charles] or whoever, they’ll have another opportunity to do very, very well. I’m really confident whoever steps in will be fine. We’re at a point now where I really believe if one or two need to come out we can fill that gap pretty seamlessly and smoothly.”