Claus Lundekvam hopes to be in contention to end his two-month absence at Leicester City this weekend after continuing his comeback for the reserves last night.

The Saints captain has not played for the first team since suffering an ankle injury in the opening minutes of the season at Derby on August 6.

But he played the first half of the reserves' 3-2 win against Millwall at Staplewood, in front of a watching George Burley, with no reaction to the injury.

Lundekvam also played 45 minutes for the reserves last week and could now be in contention for the trip to the Walkers Stadium.

With George Burley admitting in the Daily Echo yesterday that he might leave out Gareth Bale at the weekend, Chris Baird could return to a full back position with Lundekvam partnering Pele at the heart of the back four.

Lundekvam said: "It was quite pleasing to get my second 45, I'm feeling a bit sharper and a bit fitter than last week and am going in the right direction."

Lundekvam was replaced by teenager Oliver Lancashire at half-time last night, when Saints were trailing 2-1.

Michael Svensson also continued his comeback by playing the full 90 minutes.

He was clearly short of match fitness and received a rare booking when his frustration resulted in a foul at the end of the first half.

He admitted that he is unlikely to be in first team contention this month.

Svensson said: "I'm a bit knackered and my knee is a bit sore, but I have to expect that and hopefully this was a step in the right dirtection.

"I was struggling a bit in the first half, I need a few more games before I'm fully fit.

"Otherwise I'm feeling good."

Don't miss today's Daily Echo for more Lundekvam and Svensson reaction plus reserve manager Stewart Henderson's view.