Rasiak worry

Rasiak has eight Championship strikes from 13 matches - six more than Saints' second top league goalscorers, full-back Gareth Bale and strike partner Kenwyne Jones.

But the Polish international is rated only 50/50 by manager George Burley to take his place in the starting line-up against the smallest club in the second tier of English football.

Rasiak took a kick in the ribs during Tuesday's miserable Carling Cup surrender at League Two high-fliers Notts County and didn't train yesterday.

Rudi Skacel (calf) and Chris Makin (shin) also missed training yesterday.

But Burley revealed that skipper Claus Lundekvam, Inigo Idiakez and Jones will all return to the squad for Saints' first league trip to Colchester for over 45 years.

Jones is expected to partner Rasiak up front should the latter declare himself fit.

Though Jones last scored in the league at Palace on September 12, Bradley Wright-Phillips has not netted in Championship action since his debut goal on the opening day at Derby on August 6.

Burley said: "Kenwyne Jones has been outstanding all season.

"As for Bradley, he has found it hard to find some form of late - the same as Grzegorz.

"That can happen to strikers during a season, especially when we have so many games in quick succession."

Saints have had six midweek games already this season and have a seventh when Wolves visit St Mary's next Wednesday.

Burley said: "We'll definitely have some fresh legs in at Colchester."

Teenage striker David McGoldrick could also get his chance if Rasiak is ruled out.

The 18-year-old has only had a 14-minute sub run-out at Leicester since scoring his maiden senior Saints goal in the Carling Cup win at Millwall last month.

"David is a prolific scorer at reserve level," said Burley, "and it maybe that he gets his opportunity soon.

"We have to look at ways of keeping all our strikers fresh.

"He deserves an opportunity."