MIDFIELDER Will Smallbone has been passed fit to face Swansea City in the FA Cup but Flynn Downes is ruled out, manager Ivan Juric has confirmed.

Former Swansea man Downes remains sidelined with a persistent leg injury, first suffered after taking a "big whack" against Liverpool last month.

Juric has not given an official timescale for the 25 year old's return but hopes he can return to face Manchester United next week.

Ireland international Smallbone has a full week of training behind him and could make his first appearance since October.

Smallbone re-injured his hamstring during Southampton's 3-2 defeat to Leicester City nearly three months ago but played on through the pain barrier.

"We won't have Downes, no," Juric told the Daily Echo. "We have problems with Downes and I think this game, no (he will not play).

Flynn Downes has not played since Boxing Day. (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)"I'm really sorry that I don't have him because he's really important in the middle. He has a problem with a dead leg.

"He took a big whack against Liverpool. Then he played against Fulham and it was ok. He got through part of the game against West Ham and it got worse.

"Now we are struggling a little bit. He won't be ready for this game and now I expect him (to play) against Manchester United.

"Will (Smallbone) has come back, I like him a lot. He understands football and he can be very important for us.

"He did a good week (in training) but maybe he's not ready for 90 minutes. I like him. I like how he understands football. Everyone will give everything for the team, I don't have a doubt.

"If you are from Southampton or a stranger (to the club). The guys had a really bad game last game. They know that, but what I saw in training, I am very optimistic."