Nigel Adkins has a striking dilemma ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Barnsley at St Mary’s.

The Saints boss has been keen to keep things fresh in a run of three games in the space of a week and is weighing up who to start up front alongside Rickie Lambert.

Tadanari Lee has been given the nod for the last two matches, playing the first half at Leeds and longer into the second period in the midweek draw with Ipswich.

The Japanese international proved his fitness by playing at Leeds despite having just returned from a 12,000-mile round trip to play for his country, and Adkins will be concerned as to whether three games will just be too much to ask at this stage.

Thankfully for Adkins, it is not as if he is short on options if he opts to leave Lee on the bench to be used as one of his impact players.

Billy Sharp is probably first in line to come into the side, having lost his place to Lee, but David Connolly is also pushing for a first team berth.

Adkins could even move Guly do Prado to play up front if he decides he wants to bring Steve De Ridder into the side or recall Richard Chaplow, who was left out of the matchday squad for the Ipswich game with Adkins deciding to give him a rest.

De Ridder won high praise from Adkins for coming off the bench to set-up Lambert’s opener against the Tractor Boys to put himself back in contention for a first team berth.

Chaplow meanwhile has been in good form since his return to the team after injury.

However, Adkins decided to give Do Prado the nod against Ipswich but will have to decide whether to stick with him or make a change.

Dan Harding is expected to stay in at left back with Danny Fox unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a groin injury.

The other major decision for Adkins will be who to start in the centre of midfield.

He has preferred Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin in recent weeks but recalled Dean Hammond to play alongside the Frenchman in midweek.