Marcus Hall insists he's ready to face the might of Manchester United tomorrow if Wayne Bridge loses his battle for fitness.

Bridge, who is hoping to start his 101st consecutive league match for the club, is a major doubt for Saints boss Gordon Strachan after picking up a knock on his left ankle in Sun-day's win over Fulham.

There is still a chance he could be fit for the game but Strachan admitted: "Wayne did not train yesterday, so we will have to have a look at him today and decide.

"Obviously you want Wayne Bridge on the park - he is an England international. But, if not, Marcus is ready and he will be okay."

Hall, who has not figured in the first team since joining on a free transfer just before the transfer window closed, is ready to take his chance if he gets it.

He said: "I don't want to read too much into it but I have had to wait for my chance and, though you'd never wish any player an injury, if I get my chance I'll take it.

"When I came here I knew I would have to patient because Wayne Bridge is such a good player.

"I will just have to wait and see what happens. I know Wayne is struggling with an ankle injury but if called upon I'm more than ready to play."

Hall's abiding memory of playing against United is making his debut - and Strachan was involved then.

"I made my debut against Man United for Coventry ages ago," he recalled. "It was at Highfield Road and we lost 3-2 and the manager was playing for Coventry that day."

Hall added: "I don't think United are as invincible as they used to be.

"People are going there and thinking they can get something out of the game, maybe three points or definitely a draw.

"They've got some excellent players but people think they have got a chance of getting something, before some people would think we've just got to keep the score down."

If Hall were to come into the side he could hardly wish for tougher task on his first game for the club than marking David Beckham but he says it is a challenge he would relish.

He said: "I have played against him a couple of times before but playing against people like that can only improve you."