AGUSTIN Delgado's long-awaited return for Saints last weekend has given the club an extra dimension to their attacking options, writes Ian Henderson.

With James Beattie (below right) hitting top form with that hat-trick against Fulham and Brett Ormerod grabbing his sixth goal in the last four games, the recent scoring problems are fast receding.

Delgado's brief appearance as a substitute last Sunday reminded everyone that the Ecuador international has pace, an eye for goal and a nice touch on the ball. The fitness problems and other troubles of the past nine months were soon forgotten as he went about his business, keen to show what he could do.

Gordon Strachan was quick to point out that the player still needs match practice, but was clearly delighted that the big man is available to him at last. With Marian Pahars still struggling to get fully fit, the timing of Tino's return is spot on.

His appearance for Saints Reserves at St Mary's on Tuesday night in the 2nil defeat by Fulham attracted a crowd of more than 8,000 and he again received a warm reception, playing for the full ninety minutes.

Delgado (right) seems certain to retain a place on the bench for tomorrow's match at Old Trafford and the game will bring back memories of his first game for Saints against United at St Mary's last January.

He came on early to replace the injured Beattie, who was in a rich vein of scoring form at the time. It wasn't a successful debut as United collected a 31 win, but the man from Ecuador started against Rotherham in the FA Cup three days later a game which produced a disappointing defeat at Millmoor.

Subsequently, the knee problems have kept him out of the picture at St Mary's, so he's desperately keen to notch his first goal for the club. Old Trafford would be a grand stage to achive that ambition!

Incidentally, congratulations are due to Strachan for the excellent form of his signings Antti Niemi, Michael Svensson and Fabrice Fernandes who've all recently cemented their places in the side.

Saints now have strong competition for places in all departments which is just what the manager wanted.