JACK Cork’s absence through injury could mean a first Saints start for Steven Davis tomorrow.

Nigel Adkins has revealed Cork faces a spell on the sidelines after damaging his ankle in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Bristol City, meaning he is likely to be out of contention for the Premier League kick-off.

Davis himself has been battling back to fitness ever since signing from Rangers earlier this summer.

He has appeared as a substitute in Saints’ last two pre-season fixtures, and could be handed a start against Udinese tomorrow.

The 27-year-old Northern Ireland captain is a favourite to occupy one of the three central midfield positions that Saints are going to use this season in their new formation.

Adam Lallana is effectively a certainty for one of them, leaving two places to be filled from Davis, Cork, Morgan Schneiderlin, Dean Hammond and Richard Chaplow .

Cork’s absence means Schneiderlin and Davis, assuming he is fit enough, will likely be the first choices.