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Michel Svensson is back

Michael Svensson is set to make his long-awaited return to action tonight as Saints Reserves take on Reading at Staplewood, kick-off 7pm admission free. The influential Swedish centre-back, nicknamed Killer, has been sorely missed during his 17-month absence with a serious knee injury. But he has made good progress in recent weeks and is now on the verge of a tentative return to action. He is pencilled in to play the first half hour of tonight's game which has been specially arranged for his benefit. Saints had been due to host Derby tonight but the Rams have now pulled out of the league. That would have delayed Svensson's return possibly by a fortnight as the club are not keen for him to have a four-hour coach trip to Norwich next week! They are grateful to Reading for stepping in at short notice to give Svensson a welcome run-out. He said: "It will be so good to play again - I can't wait. "I will just give it 30 minutes, maybe 45 if I feel OK. But I don't want to push too hard too soon. "I have been back in full training for three weeks and have tried keep it low-key working with the Reserves or the young players because the first-team have had a lot of games. "But I feel good. The knee feels OK and now I am ready to play. I will take it easy and build up slowly because after so long out, I do not want to take any risks. "Now I need a few games to build up sharpness and fitness and then hopefully I will be able to think about playing in the first-team again." By Graham Hiley Copyright © 2005 Southampton FC/SkySports.com. 050810