INTERIM Saints boss Simon Rusk confirmed that while Charlie Taylor was not in Ivan Juric's plans, he is currently out with a minor injury.

Taylor played just once under the Croatian manager, coming on as a substitute in the 5-0 defeat to Brentford, and has been in and out of training.

Rusk did not confirm that the 31 year old will be part of his plans upon recovery but hopes to welcome the full-back to training next week.

Fellow summer signing Ryan Fraser is available and has been back in training for some weeks, but was another player not fancied by Juric.

Rusk praised his training standards but played down the Scot's chances of returning to the squad on Saturday to face Aston Villa at St Mary's.

"There's been a few bits and bobs with Charlie," Rusk told the Daily Echo, when asked why Taylor has not been seen since January.

Ryan Fraser has made 10 appearances for Saints this seasonRyan Fraser has made 10 appearances for Saints this season (Image: PA) "He wasn't quite in Ivan's plans at the time. He's been in and out of the training group and picked up a couple of little knocks.

"He's a great lad, a great professional. Hopefully, we can see him back out on the grass in the next few days.

"Ryan's trained this week and trained really well. That's positive as well. Again, it's the nature of the beast when you've got a squad of a certain size.

"There are only so many shirts available on Saturday, but Ryan has trained really well this week. It's good to have him in the group at the moment."

Taylor has made just nine appearances for Saints this season, while fellow free agent signing Fraser has played 10 matches in all competitions.

Both signed two-year deals in the summer and will have 12 months left on their contracts as relegated Saints enter the Championship.