Saints have been handed a Premier League referee for the derby trip to Portsmouth.

Mark Halsey has extensive top flight refereeing experience and has already taken charge of seven Premier League fixtures this season.

Halsey was forced to take a break from football two years ago after being diagnosed with cancer but battled back to beat the disease and resume his career.

The Lancashire-based official has not handed out a red card in his last 33 games.

The last time he took charge of a game at Fratton Park was a 3-2 Pompey win over Blackburn in 2008, while his last Saints match was a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the same year.

It will be a surprise if Halsey awards a penalty at Fratton Park.

That’s because neither Saints or Pompey have given away a spot-kick in league action all season.

For full story and more Saints news, don't miss today's Daily Echo.