Matthew Le Tissier's long-awaited come-back has frustratingly been put on ice again.

After almost three months on the sidelines with a recurring knee problem, the Saints star was hoping to return to action in a reserve match against Charlton last night.

But the match was called off because a six-yard wide strip the length of one touchline was frozen solid.

Saints called in the referee early in the afternoon to stop Charlton from travelling and it took the official just a few minutes to rule that the solid section was unsafe even though the rest was playable.

Reserve team coach Dennis Rofe said: "It is very disappointing because we desperately wanted it on.

"We have not played a competitive game since mid December and with next week's match against West Ham being postponed because of a fixture clash, it means we don't have another one scheduled until Valentine's night.

"The whole of one side was frozen and with temperatures scheduled to drop again after dark, the referee did not really have much alternative because it was not safe.

"It is frustrating, especially for Matt. It is yet another obstacle in his way but we will be trying to fix up a friendly soon to give players a run-out."

Stuart Ripley has returned to The Dell after two months on loan at Barnsley. Although he impressed during his first few games, the chance of a permanent move was scuppered by the sudden resignation of Dave Bassett as manager.

He said: "The first few weeks went really well. I scored on my debut and I was enjoying it. Then the manager left and the club was in limbo for a while.

"My second month was stop-start. I was cup-tied for one match and injured for another so now I am back here.

"I am quite happy about that because I like the club and it is down to me to work hard and train hard and try to get back in the first-team squad. It remains to be seen if anything else comes up."