Holmes on road to recovery

2nd December 2008

Southampton have received an injury boost with the news winger Lee Holmes is closing in on a return to fitness.

The summer signing from Derby has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage at QPR in September, but he is now around two weeks from resuming training.

"It's been going well and so hopefully I'll be back fairly soon and giving the manager something to think about when it comes to picking the team," he said.

Holmes has also been given an extra incentive to get himself fit - Saints' plum FA Cup third-round tie at home to Manchester United.

"I'd love to play in that one," he added. "I watched the draw and I was buzzing when the balls came out of the hat. All the lads feel the same way, it's what you want as a footballer - to be playing against the best."

The tie will be televised by Setanta Sports on Sunday, January 4, kicking-off at 4pm.