SAINTS are hoping Jos Hooiveld will be available for next weekend’s trip to Watford, despite the defender being substituted with a hamstring problem in the win against Derby.

The centre half opened the scoring in the 4-0 rout of the Rams, but lasted just 45 minutes before being taken off.

It was only Hooiveld’s third game back following a lay-off of nearly three weeks with an initial hamstring injury.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins revealed it was the same issue that forced the Dutchman to be withdrawn at the weekend, but he is optimistic Hooiveld won’t miss Saturday’s game against the Hornets.

Adkins said: “Jos was feeling his hamstring, so hopefully it’s not too bad.

“We’ve got Aaron Martin to go in there, so every confidence.

“All being well, Jos should be available for the weekend’s game.”

Hooiveld himself said afterwards that there is “nothing to worry about” and that he was merely taken off as a “precaution”.

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