Marek Saganowski and on-loan Stephen O'Halloran both staked their claims for a place in the Saints side to face Crystal Palace on Saturday after coming through unscathed for the reserves yesterday.

Polish striker Saganowski played 75 minutes in his first full outing for a month after recovering from a hamstring strain as Saints Reserves defeated Aldershot 2-1.

It was also good practice for O'Halloran, who played the last 25 minutes against Norwich the night before and is likely to be required at Selhurst Park.

The Republic of Ireland international left back hasn't started for the club since joining on loan from Aston Villa for a month.

But, with Gregory Vignal facing a spell out, that is set to change.

It has been confirmed the French full back broke a bone in his forearm in the defeat to Norwich.

Vignal looks likely to be sidelined for four weeks and, when he comes back, may initially need to wear a cast.

O'Halloran is set to step in against Palace after coming through a full 90 minutes for the second string.

The game itself could have been a more comfortable win after Saints raced into an early two-goal lead.

Cedric Baseya got the first after ten minutes when he finished well when through one-on-one with the keeper.

Josh Dutton-Black doubled the lead on 20 minutes when he finished from the edge of the area and later hit the post.

Aldershot grabbed a goal back with 15 minutes remaining from a free-kick over the defence.

Reserve team boss Stewart Henderson said: "I was pleased with the win but slightly disappointed that we did not keep it going after starting so well.

"We looked really lively and were excellent for the first quarter of the game.

"We scored two good goals and played very well but then we just dipped a bit and it was hard to get back in the groove after that.

"It was good for Marek to get a run-out, which he needed, and Stephen got 90 minutes under his belt and did OK."

Saints: Pernecky, Hatch, O'Halloran, McGoldrick, James, Thomson, Licka, Saganowski (Giallombardo 75), Baseya (Paterson 75), Lallana, Dutton-Black (McLaggon75).