[bosman]

Could be interested in Southampton. Strong at home (8-5-1), not the best h2h (22-22-31), but the last eight 8-2-0, won all home games. Owls with some problems in defence, sold Bougherra to Charlton, could play with a teenager in first squad.

Madjid Bougherra has completed his £2.5million move to Charlton, while fellow central defenders Richard Wood (ankle) and Graham Coughlan (jaw) are both doubts for the midweek trip to the St Mary's Stadium.

Owls manager Brian Laws has no qualms about handing the 6ft 4in Beevers, 17, his first senior start.

"He's young, talented and has certainly got a great chance in football. Maybe this is the time to test him out," Laws told the club's official website.

"It's away from home, he won't have 29,000 home supporters there. His adrenalin will be pumping and maybe it's the best option for him.

"I can see he's not over-awed by going into the team. He is mentally and physically strong enough and he has the frame to go with it, so that is a major plus."