Brian Laws faces a welcome selection headache ahead of Saturday's clash with Southampton at Hillsborough.

If Michael Johnson has shaken off the effects of a jarred back, Laws must decide whether to hand an instant recall to the loanee defender - or stick with rookie Mark Beevers, who excelled at West Brom in midweek.

Veteran star Johnson has proved a pivotal figure at the heart of the defence since joining on a temporary move from Derby, while Beevers has a dearth of senior experience at 17-years-old.

Laws has acknowledged Johnson's immense contribution so far, while believing Beevers represents the future of the club.

He said: "Michael has been magnificent for me and Mark Beevers came in and did tremendously well against West Brom. He's put a doubt in my mind and that's a real positive for Beevers. He's certainly going to be the future of this football club.

"I have the options available and it's nice for the football club to go into a game pondering on whether we should bring Michael back in or not.

"It wouldn't have been heard about or thought of a few weeks ago but Beevers came in and did ever so well, so I have something to think about.

"Michael has trained and we've had a good reaction so he will be putting himself into contention."

Meanwhile, Laws has paid tribute to his number two at Hillsborough, Russ Wilcox.

The duo have enjoyed a decade-long partnership in the game and the manager has lauded the role of his assistant.

Laws said: "We've worked extremely well together for ten years and we've had our highs and lows.

"We had a major low at the start of this season and that's a time when you need the support and trust of your assistant.

"That is something vitally important when you're losing games. This job can be very lonely when you're losing and the last thing you want to feel is isolated.

"That is such a time when managers rely so much on their number twos and Russ' role and support to me has been crucial."

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