THERE was some positive injury news for Nigel Adkins ahead of tomorrow’s game with Tranmere.

The Saints boss has been without Paul Wotton, David Connolly and Frazer Richardson since taking over.

But all three were back in action at Staplewood this week.

It is early days for all of them but at the very least their presence gives Saints a boost.

Connolly and Wotton have been relatively short term misses but Richardson has been out since badly injuring his shoulder in the preseason trip to Switzerland just days after joining the club in a £450,000 switch from Charlton.

To have him available at right back will be a major boost.

Adkins said: “David joined in the warm up, which was pleasing, and Paul Wotton joined in the whole of the session which was pleasing as well.

“We will see how he reacts but that is two players who will hopefully start to recover from injury.

“The medical department has been top drawer and the rehabilitation process here is going to be second to none and we are pleased about that.

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“It allows the players to get back quickly and stay stronger and fitter for a longer period of time.

“Frazer Richardson is back as well in full training so he becomes available for selection.

“He’s been out for a long period of time and just had one full training session at this point in time.

“Anybody who has suffered a long term injury realises how demoralising it can be doing the same repetitive exercises to try and build up the muscles and get the range of movement back in a joint and try and regain fitness.

“Frazer has not been able to do the contact side of things, but he has been able to keep himself fit.

“The culture we set here in the football club and the environment we’ve got allows a really good rehabilitation environment.”

Saints will be without both Morgan Schneiderlin and Ryan Doble who are away with the France under-21 and full Wales squad respectively.

H o w e v e r , Schneiderlin’s absence is likely to hand a second full Saints debut to loan signing Richard Chaplow.

“We knew the situation wasn’t ideal for him (Chaplow) at Preston because he wasn’t figuring,”

said the manager.

“But he’s a player who has played at the top level, he’s gone for big transfer fees in the past, and we’ve provided the opportunity for him and for ourselves by bringing him down to St Mary’s.

“Straight away, with Morgan being unavailable, that does present the opportunity for Richard to come and play – if selected.”