Oscar Gobern is on stand-by to make his first Saints start since taking on the might of Manchester United almost two years ago.

The 19-year-old midfielder could be called in from the cold to partner Dean Hammond in the middle of the park for tomorrow’s FA Cup second round clash with Cheltenham at St Mary’s.

With Morgan Schneiderlin serving a one-game ban after picking up five bookings this season, Saints boss Nigel Adkins faces the decision over whether to risk Richard Chaplow, who was forced to miss Tuesday’s goalless draw with Brighton with an achilles problem, or give Gobern a rare start.

The Saints academy prospect made his first team debut just over two years ago but has since struggled to hold down a regular place in the side.

He has not been helped in recent times by injuries but Adkins gave him a vote of confidence recently when insisting that Gobern was his fourth choice central midfielder having let Paul Wotton out on loan to Oxford United.

If Gobern does get the nod to start against Cheltenham it will rekindle his acquaintance with the FA Cup.

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