KENWYNE JONES is eyeing a call-up to the Saints squad to face Liverpool following his red-hot streak of form.
The Trinidad & Tobago international might be unproven in the Premiership, but is clearly bubbling with a quality that has been in short supply at Saints - confidence.
Jones was on target for the reserves on Tuesday night to make it nine goals in nine games following seven in seven during a prolific loan-spell at former boss Paul Sturrock's Sheffield Wednesday.
The jump to the Premiership might be big, but with star striker Kevin Phillips ruled out of at least Saturday's Premiership clash, Jones has done everything possible to put himself in the thoughts of Harry Redknapp.
"I'd like to be involved on Saturday but that is up to the manager. It was nice to score and carry on my run," said the 20-year-old.
Redknapp, who has turned down a £100,000 offer from Sheffield Wednesday for Jones, had initially considered loaning him out for further experience, but this week said: "With Kevin being out I might have to see how we go with him. But he did very well. It will be interesting to see how he looks."
Jones, who had trials with West Ham and Rangers before joining Saints last May, came with a reputation as a utility player.
But his pace, power and athleticism are making him a real handful up front.
Peter Crouch and Brett Ormerod still look the most likely starting combination against Liverpool, but both Jones and 18-year-old Dexter Blackstock could feature among the substitutes.
Jones said: "Hopefully Sheffield was a big step towards the first team for me and kept me in the manager's thoughts.
"I have just got to keep working now and make sure that when my chance does come along I am ready to take it.
"Before the end of the season, I'd like to make my debut and hopefully set myself up for next season. I think all the first team needs at the moment is a couple of good performances and a couple wins to build on. I am sure that would get things going again."
Of his successful time at Hillsborough, Jones added: "I didn't go there with any expectations so the way things worked out was all I could have asked for really.
"It was a pretty good time for me up there and a great experience and right now I am willing to take on just about anything.
"I think I always had goals in me, no matter where I was playing. I had always scored when I played back in Trinidad but since I had come to England I hadn't scored as often as I would have liked.
"Just before I went away, though, I scored my first for the reserves and I think that helped me settle down and get a bit of confidence."
Egyptian striker Ahmed Hossam (`Mido'), meanwhile, has said that he will leave Roma and join Tottenham.
Saints had shown an interest in him, but last week assistant manager Jim Smith said he was unlikely to sign.