Source: Team_Talk
Thomas could provide Saints boost
Thomas, who has been playing at right-back in the absence of the injured Graeme Murty, has missed the last two games with an ankle knock but is close to a return.
Veteran full-back Murty is still sidelined, although he is off his crutches and building up his fitness following the knee-ligament injury he suffered against Birmingham in the Carling Cup in August.
Young winger Kayne McLaggon is the only other injury absentee and he is progressing well from his long-term Achilles problem.
Boss Alan Pardew could make changes following Tuesday night's last-gasp 3-2 defeat by Bristol City with Marek Saganowski, Joseph Mills and Lee Holmes pushing for starts.
