CHARLIE Austin returned to action after almost five months out injured tonight.

The striker, fit again after a shoulder injury, started for Saints under-23s in their final game of the season at Manchester City.

It was Austin's first match since he picked up his injury playing for Saints on the night they crashed out of the Europa League against Hapoel at St Mary's on December 8.

Austin was named in a fairly strong Saints XI that also included Matt Targett, Jeremy Pied, Sam McQueen, Florin Gardos and Harrison Reed.

Saints needed a good result against City, who are second in Division 1 of the under-23 league, to ease their relegation fears.

They got off to a good start and led at half time through Nathan Tella.

It got even better when McQueen doubled the advantage shortly into the second half.

But Saints could not hang on and keeper Mouez Hassen conceded four goals in 17 minutes through Sadou Diallo, Rodney Kongolo, Charles Oliver and a Lukas Nmecha penalty.

Saints boss Claude Puel must now decide whether to bring Austin back into the first team squad. Sunday's trip to Anfield could come too soon, but next Wednesday's home game with Arsenal is a more realistic shout.

Austin remains Saints' top scorer with nine goals this season.