Saints suffer contrasting fortunes

Striker Jason Euell has lost his appeal against the red card he picked up against Wolves but Michael Svensson is close to a return.

Euell was red carded just before half-time after clashing with Wolves defender Richard Stearman in Saturday's defeat at St Mary's. The club thought the dismissal was harsh on the former Wimbledon and Middlesbrough man, but the football authorities have thrown out the appeal so his three-game ban stands.

Head coach Jan Poortvliet told the club's official website: "We are disappointed by the ruling but accept the FA's decision."

Meanwhile, Saints could be boosted by the return of Svensson for this weekend's game against Reading after he successfully got through a reserve team match against Swansea City's second string.

"I felt good out there and didn't feel any reaction in my knee at all," said Svensson. "It was the first 45 minutes that I've played for a while and I was pleased with how it all went."