Saints have had a timely boost ahead of Sunday's big game against Liverpool with the news that Shane Long has returned to training.

Shane Long has returned to training with Saints and if he suffers no adverse reactions will be in contention for a place against Liverpool on Sunday.

This is great news for Saints and hopefully Long will be fit to at least take a place on the bench on Sunday afternoon, Long was expected to miss at least a month and by the time that the Liverpool game arrives it will be four weeks since he suffered the broken ribs against Crystal Palace, this type of injury is hard to determine recovery as essentially there is no treatment other than rest and everyone will have a different rate of recovery.

Long clearly is a quick healer and can put the pain to one side quicker, however training and the physical contact of a gem are different, however the fact that Long can train with still six days to recover further before the game is a good sign.

Saints have missed Long's work rate and ability to press the opposition defence.

Photo: Action Images

rebelsaint57 added 22:58 - Feb 16 great news as Shane Long never gives less than 100 % our bench will be so much stronger with him available
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