SAINTS’ players can’t wait for next season to start – even though the current one hasn’t yet finished, according to Lee Barnard.

Alan Pardew’s men bring their campaign to a close at home to Barnard’s former side, Southend, tomorrow.

Although the striker said the squad is looking forward to a rest, he said there is also a desire for the 2010/11 season to arrive as soon as possible.

“We were desperate to get in the play-offs and, to miss out, it’s not been easy,” he said.

“But we’ve got such a good squad and there’s such a good feeling that we can do it next season that there’s an anticipation.

“We need a break, but we’ll be itching to come back and raring to go.”

Barnard made the move from Southend to St Mary’s in January, and has made a big contribution, scoring nine times.

But he is battling to be fit for tomorrow’s match against the already-relegated Shrimpers, as he contends with an ankle injury picked up in last weekend’s 2-1 loss at Gillingham.

“I’m desperate to play,” he said.

“It’s going to be strange, but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve got a lot of friends there, so I speak to quite a few of the boys.

“Of course I look out for the results. I want them to do well and it’s unfortunate they’ve gone down.

“It’s disappointing because they are a good club.

“I had a good two years there and everyone was very nice to me at the club.

“So I’ve got nothing but good words to say about Southend.”

If he does play and score, Barnard will keep any celebrations to a minimum.

“I’m just hoping to be fit and if I score then that’s fantastic,” he said.

“Out of respect, I don’t think I would celebrate.

“I had good times there.

“I love scoring for Southampton and I want to score as many as I can, but if I do score Saturday then it will be a calm kind of celebration.”

As part of the deal that brought Barnard, right, to Saints, 20-year-old striker Matt Paterson moved in the opposite direction.

Although he has only scored twice since arriving at Roots Hall, Barnard said he had heard good reports about the youngster.

“Through what I’ve heard from the boys they’ve been impressed,” he said. “He’s got good potential.

“It’s difficult for a striker going into a team where they’re struggling. I can imagine he didn’t get many chances, but he’s still scored a few goals.

“So it’s promising for him.

“I’ve heard he’s a good player and a good lad, so I’m sure he’ll do well.”