SAINTS will base their decision on whether to start Papa Waigo against Yeovil on whether they feel he is ready for the cut and thrust of League One.

Though they are desperate to add the much needed pace that Waigo will bring to the team, either out wide or in attack, Alan Pardew insists he doesn’t want the Fiorentina loanee exposed to the physical rigours of English football until he is completely ready.

Pardew confirmed that Waigo and Radhi Jaidi will almost certainly both play a part in the clash with Yeovil at St Mary’s.

But the decision on who will start will be based on more than just ability.

He said: “We’ve worked hard on them this week.

“Radhi hasn’t played a lot of football and Papa’s finding his feet in a different type of football for him, but both of those will feature at some point tomorrow I’m sure.

“We as a group need to make sure Papa is ready and understands the cut and thrust of this division.

“It’s a very physical league and it’s all those finer points that I don’t want to expose him to until he’s ready.”

Waigo emphasised his claim for selection with a goal for the reserves against Swindon on Tuesday night.

On a blustery night on a non-league pitch at Hungerford Town, Waigo showed plenty of character which bodes well for his first team appearances and puts forward a case for him starting tomorrow.

“We played well in the week and had a number of good performances from players,” said Pardew.

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“He showed a good attitude in what was with all due respect to Hungerford Town a tough environment on a windy night and not the greatest of pitches with no one there.

“It’s something he’s not used to but he showed a good attitude.”

Having played in Serie A for Fiorentina – where he scored twice in February and March 2008, his last senior goals – he certainly wouldn’t have been used to Hungerford on a Tuesday night.

Saints, meanwhile, have a slight injury doubt over Wayne Thomas.

The right back has been protected during training due to a niggling injury but is expected to be fit to play.

Jaidi is on standby to come into the team at centre half either way – probably at Chris Perry’s expense – and Pardew is looking forward to fielding both his new men in tandem, whether that be from the start tomorrow or from the bench.

“They are different types – I don’t think Radhi’s going to be too exciting but he’ll add some character and power to the team and some experience,” reckoned Pardew.

“I’m hoping he’s going to be a big player for us.

“Papa we don’t really know what we’ve got yet until I suppose he runs out for us and delivers on the pitch.

“With Papa, in particular, we are trying to educate him with how many turnovers there are in games and how different it is.

He’s coming to terms with that.”