Saints will have to do without Gareth Bale for at least half of their remaining play-off deciding games.

A scan has revealed the Welsh left back has a small tear in his calf which is set to sideline him for about 14 days.

That definitely rules Bale out of tomorrow's game against Birmingham and the visit of Leeds the week after.

Saints will hope he can return for the penultimate game against Norwich at Carrow Road but if he doesn't quite make it then his last chance to figure this season will be against Southend on the final day.

Saints boss George Burley said: "Gareth Bale has got a small tear on the top of his calf muscle which is a big blow for us.

"Gareth took a couple of whacks on Monday, finished the game and seemed OK but then his calf has stiffened up.

"We've had a scan and there is a small tear there so he'll be out for up to 14 days."

For full story see today's Daily Echo.