Saints have posted pictures on their social media of Jay Rodriguez and Florin Gardos back in full training with the rest of the squad.

Jay Rodriguez has only played two months of competitive action for Saints out of the last 24 months whilst Florin Gardos although not injured till July has not appeared in first team action since the defeat at West Brom a year ago this weekend, but both have returned to the first team squad on the same day.

This is good news for both Ronald Koeman and of course Saints supporters, although Gardos has not played for a year, Koeman knows that he is thin on the ground for cover for Virgil Van Dijk and Jose Fonte with the only fit experienced central defender on the books Yoshida, who has not exactly been the answer when called upon this season.

Hopefully Jay Rodriguez will be back and raring to go after his latest lay off which has been a shade over four months, having the option of a player of his quality at your disposal is something that Ronald Koeman will be pleased to have.

I would not expect either to be ready for a return to the first team squad just yet, however Rodriguez could be back in contention as early as the home game against Sunderland, although I expect Koeman to be cautious and not risk bringing him back too soon.

Photo: Action Images

IWOZTHERE added 22:18 - Feb 23 Realistically, I can't see either player 'showing' much this season although I hope they do. It will take them 6 or 7 games to get 'up to speed'. Gardos may be needed at some time but I can't see J R getting much time when we've got Pelle and Austin in front of him and neither are automatic starters yet! In Jay Rod's case, I hope he gets enough playing time to put himself in the frame by the end of the season, so he'll figure in the plans for the future!

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SaintNick added 22:26 - Feb 23 I think J Rod might get the odd chance off the bench and could score a goal or two
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1970 added 23:25 - Feb 23 This is great news I think J-rod will get plenty of game time off the bench to give us an attacking threat from the left side, its all taking shape at the right time, the icing will be beating chelski which is very realistic, then wait for the media frenzy about us finishing in the top four, coyr 3 points sat.
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SaintBrock added 10:08 - Feb 24 IWOZTHERE has called it about right. Too late this year for either to make much of an impact although it would be interesting to see if Gardos gets the nod over Maya Yoshida if we want an extra tall guy in the centre of a back 5 for some matches. A good close season and if we hit the ground running in August with on-song strikers just maybe we can emulate Spurs this season.

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SaintBrock added 10:10 - Feb 24 PS Some of your archived pics are a bit comical Nick, isn't this one of a Belgian bloke called Alderwiereld or something?
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SaintNick added 11:39 - Feb 24 It looks a bit like Alderweireld, but it is Rodriguez at MK Dons , as you can see he is wearing this seasons away kit so couldnt possibly be alderweireld
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SaintNick added 11:40 - Feb 24 Fot an attacking player it is never too late to make an impact, one late winning goal could be worth several places and millions
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Ali_Diarea added 00:50 - Feb 25 Great news about Jay Rod. Let's hope he finishes the season strongly so we can flog him in the summer before he gets injured again!
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