Striker Nicky Forster is included in the reserve squad for tonight's game at home to Southampton (KO 7pm) as he continues working on his match fitness ahead of Sunday's first team game at Reading.

Forster played close to 70 minutes for the reserves against Crystal Palace last Wednesday and will be looking to get a full 90 under his belt against the Saints.

Shane Supple is in goal despite Lewis Price missing out on making his full international debut for Wales on Saturday due to a hip problem. The first choice Town stopper should be fit to play for the Welsh against Azerbaijan on Wednesday and for the Blues at the Madejski Stadium at the weekend.

French loanee Jimmy Juan will be hoping to put in another good display as he pushes for a place in the senior side.

Reserves coach Steve McCall has praised the attitude of Matt Richards in the early stages of the season: "Matt has probably been a little disappointed with his form lately and we need to get him back on track.

"If he has to take a little step back into the reserves and regroup and get his game together before returning to the first team, then that's fine.

"Matt has shown a great attitude while he has been out though, and he's a good professional. I'm sure he will be pushing hard for a place back in the first team very soon."

Like the Blues, Southampton name several members of their FA Youth Cup final side in their squad, including reported Chelsea target Theo Walcott and pacy wideman Nathan Dyer.

Also in the Saints squad are former Canary Darren Kenton and Matthew Mills, who scored a memorable own goal winner for the Blues while on loan at Coventry City last season.

Reserves: Shane Supple, Sammy Moore, Scott Barron, Jimmy Juan, Aidan Collins, James Krause, Jaime Peters, Liam Trotter, Nicky Forster, Dean McDonald, Matt Richards, Liam Craig, Darryl Knights, Chris Casement, Billy Clarke, Danny Haynes.

Photo: Action Images

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