Frazer Richardson is the big doubt before Saints clash with Derby County, a game that could see Saints regain top spot.

Its believed that Frazer Richardson may struggle to make the Derby game on Saturday which will pose a big question to Nigel Adkins as to whom should replace him with Danny Butterfield listed as injured, Saints return to form has been marked by Adkins reverting to a back to basics approach and the worry now is that he will again put some square pegs in soe round holes by putting Dan Harding in at right back, however this is afr from the only option that the manager has and far from the best one.

He could of course take a gamble and put in Jack Stephens, although this would be an outside bet as although Stephen's is the only fit right back he is inexperienced with only 1 appearance as sub to his name since joining from Plymouth.

My preferred choice would be to put Jack Cork back there, Cork has played there many times before and could easily slot in, it wouldnt be a big problem to move him out of the midfield in that there are other options in the centre, chneiderlin and Hammond perhaps being the more favoured although Richard Chaplow could come in or even Jason Puncheon.

Richardson has been a key figure for Saints this season having more assists than anyone else in the side, so its important that the balance isnt upset.

Photo: Action Images

saintwiz added 10:12 - Feb 17 Gotta be Cork, Harding no good there too left sided. Hammond into centre, Chaplow on bench. Sorted!
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winchesterbob added 10:17 - Feb 17 Anyone but Harding at right back is what you are saying Nick. Is it true DH let his dog take a dump on your lawn? Give the man a break, he makes no more mistakes than anyone else in the squad and he never gives less than 100%
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SaintNick added 10:37 - Feb 17 He is not a right back though bob, never giving less than 100% doesnt mean your playing well
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st_bangkok added 11:15 - Feb 17 OK, perhaps controversial but could Jos not go into RB and Martin into the centre? Or is it LB Jos plays?
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nobby added 12:20 - Feb 17 Jos would only be comfortable on the left, as he's frequently swapping positions with Fox during a game. It would either be Cork or Harding at RB.
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winchesterbob added 15:42 - Feb 17 You do come across as having a personal dislike of Harding, Nick. In essence I agree that it would be much better to play a right sided player at right back but if Butterfield is not fit, then its Harding or Cork, Cork is not good enough defensively and Harding is naturally left sided but non-the-less is an experienced full back. Perhaps its time to take a punt on Stevens who did have first team experience with Plymouth.

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SaintNick added 09:51 - Feb 18 I have nothing personal against Harding apart from I dont think he is good enough, ork I think actually is a better defender than Harding, Harding as a full back is all about charging forward, defensively he snt that good, Cork would bring stability to the position
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