Marian Pahars put his injury troubles behind him to start his first game since February at Manchester City.

And the Latvian star's performance - on only his fifth league start of the season - earned good reviews from manager Paul Sturrock.

Pahars played on the left side of midfield and his pace and cross set-up Saints' opener for James Beattie.

It's been another tough season for Pahars who has been beset by niggling injuries.

He has also found it difficult to break into the side in his favoured striking role because of the partnership between Beattie and Kevin Phillips.

But he's knuckled down and is happy just to be playing again.

The Saints boss said: "I'm pleased. Marian has had a problem because he's had a lot of niggling injuries and Beattie and Phillips have strung together a partnership and scored goals, so it's been difficult for him to play in his favourite position.

"I've had a quiet word with him and he's appreciative of that.

"He worked his shape very well and did very well .

"It's a position where he gives us another goalscoring type on the pitch which is vitally important.

"His cross for the first goal was different class - with his poorer foot.

"To be fair to him he was honest, worked his shape and ran his socks off until his wee leggies couldn't carry him any further."

There were another three goals for the Beattie-Phillips partnership and Sturrock added: "They work very hard together and the training has been structured around those two.

"Brett Ormerod had a wee spell of injury but is available again and with Marian fit as well, there's been a pressure on these two that has benefited them.

"Hopefully it will keep going because the two of them look very exciting together."