Michael Svensson is on the verge of an emotional playing return when Southampton continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday.

The Swedish defender has made just seven league appearances in four years after a series of knee problems and underwent make-or-break surgery 14 months ago in a last-ditch bid to salvage his career.

Svensson has been out of contract for a year but has continued his rehabilitation with Saints, and having slowly built up his fitness he has now been pencilled to face Basingstoke Town - his first match action since November 2005.

"This is my last chance and I want the very best opportunity to get back. I am absolutely determined to get through it," he said.

"I know some players might have retired by now but I am not the type to give up. I will fight all the way because I know I would only regret it later if I did not give it everything."

Saints will take on Basingstoke at noon before boss Jan Poortvliet heads to Winchester where a second Southampton XI will take the field at 3pm.