Southampton v Charlton

DARREN AMBROSE returns to contention for Charlton at Southampton on Saturday after heavy congestion on his way to the home game against Queens Park Rangers cost him his place in the squad.

Traffic came to a standstill for six hours on the M25 following the death of a pedestrian at the Dartford Tunnel on Saturday.

At the time, Ambrose was heading to the match from his Essex home.

Though he was named on the published teamsheet as a substitute, manager Alan Pardew withdrew his name and replaced him with fellow midfielder Therry Racon.

"The police got to him eventually but I was left with no alternative but to delete his name from the list of substitutes," said Pardew.

"Darren got to the ground but it was too late and I had to make the change."

Left-back Grant Basey, 18, who made his senior debut in the 1-0 defeat by QPR, looks almost certain to keep his place.

Central defender Madjid Bougherra, who was dropped against Rangers, looks likely to stay on the bench, with Pardew set to persevere with the partnership of Sam Sodje and Jonathan Fortune at the heart of the defence.

READ THE MATCH REPORT AND SEE PICTURES FROM ST MARY'S ON THIS WEBSITE ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON.