That's a relief!

GOALKEEPER Michael Poke is a relieved man after learning that Southampton cannot take him back from his loan at Torquay United.

The Saints 'recalled' Poke, 24, after their first-choice 'keeper Kelvin Davis was injured in a midweek match at Hartlepool. He will be out until the New Year.

But the Football League then stepped in and ruled that, because they also have reserve goalies Bartosz Bialkowski and Tommy Forecast available, they cannot have Poke back as an 'emergency'.

Poke, who has been in fine form for the Gulls, said: "With due respect to Southampton, I would rather be playing games, if I'm honest.

"I didn't want to go back and sit on the subs' bench. I would rather play at Torquay."

An additional factor was Poke's domestic arrangements.

He, partner Leanne and new baby daughter Molly have just moved into rented accommodation in Paignton.

"We've just sorted out an apartment and got settled, so when this came out of the blue, we thought we would have to move again," he said.

Poke's current contract at St. Mary's runs out at the end of the season, a situation which will certainly interest United.

At the moment, Saints do not want the Londoner cup-tied, so he cannot play in today's Second Round tie at Stockport County.

Scott Bevan deputises, as he did for United's 3-1 First Round win against Cheltenham.

Southampton travel to Northampton for a Second Round tie of their own.

"You never know, if we get through and Southampton get knocked out, they might let me play in the Cup then," said Poke, speaking after training at St. Mary's.

"But that's out of my hands.

"I wish Scott all the best today — it's good for him to be playing, and it will be good for the club to get through."

Meanwhile, centre-half Chris Todd heads for a second loan spell at Blue Square Premier club Salisbury City with mixed feelings.

Todd, who is still having successful treatment for leukaemia, said: "I want to play for Torquay United — that's my team, the one I'm contracted to.

"But I've sat on the bench for about nine games now.

"I haven't fought back from my illness to sit on the bench — I have to go and find football elsewhere."

Last season Todd went on loan to Salisbury to prove his fitness after his first round of chemotherapy treatment.

He returned to Plainmoor after a dozen games for the Whites, scored on his first match back and stayed in the side all the way to the Play-Offs, Wembley and promotion.

Torquay United have confirmed the date for their FA Youth Cup Third Round tie at home to Millwall — Wednesday, December 9 (7.30pm).

If United and Stockport have to replay their FA Cup-tie, which would be on Tuesday, December 8, the Youth Cup game will be put back to Tuesday, December 15.