DANNY Ings is battling to be fit for Saints’ clash against Manchester United.

Saints’ five-goal top scorer is still struggling with the hamstring injury that forced him out of the 3-2 defeat at Fulham.

But Hughes revealed that Ings may be fit in time for the 5.30pm kick off against United at St Mary’s this Saturday.

He said: “Danny will benefit from a good week’s work if we’re honest.

“That will give him a better chance for the weekend.”

Ings limped off five minutes before half-time during the the 1-1 draw at home to Watford 17 days ago.

Saturday’s defeat was the first match he has missed since the defeat at Liverpool, his parent club, and the first he has missed through injury since moving to his hometown club on loan.

With Saints struggling for goals, and Charlie Austin failing to take his opportunity at Craven Cottage, Ings’ return cannot come soon enough.

Especially as Saints are also still without two other strikers.

Sam Gallagher remains hamstrung while Shane Long has an ankle problem.