THE STAKES may be mind-numbingly high but Southampton must do the decent thing and offer Chris Lucketti a permanent contract before they even consider thrusting him into the emotional malestrom set to engulf St Mary's stadium on Sunday.
Confirmation that Lucketti, who has proved a huge success since joining Southampton on loan from Sheffield United last month, is eligible for selection has, on the face of it, left the visitors facing the potential embarassment of seeing one of their own employees bringing Bramall Lane's charge for the play-offs to a shuddering halt.
But Kevin Blackwell's ethical dilemma pales into insignificance compared to the one his counterpart Nigel Pearson is wrestling with this evening.
While United reach for the Premier League, Pearson's men will be fighting for Championship survival.
So, given the magnitude of the prizes on offer, is it fair to demand that Lucketti does his utmost to possibly condemn the club that pays his wages to another season in the second tier before dispatching him back up the motorway to South Yorkshire?
The answer is definitely no.
The only possible scenario in which asking Lucketti to face United could be a fair and honourable thing to do is if confirmation that a permanent contract will be forthcoming - whatever the outcome - immediately after the final whistle.Otherwise the veteran defender could find himself in an unenviable position if he makes a mistake that proves decisive either way.
The pressure would be intolerable.
When United ratified the paperwork that took Lucketti to Southampton it seemed a routine move but Football League rules differ from those in the top-flight and there is nothing to prevent Lucketti appearing against them.
Perhaps mindful that their legal battle with West Ham following the Carlos Tevez Affair is about the reach a conclusion - and the fact that third party influence over the Argentine forms the nub of their cause - United appear to have shied away from inserting a 'gentleman's agreement' into Lucketti's terms and conditions.
But with James Beattie, their injured 22 goal marksman, set to watch the drama unfold from the stands the wisdom of their actions is now coming under scrutiny.
Albeit by those enjoying the benefit of hindsight and with no need to concern themselves with the possible implications.
Claus Lundekvam is adamant that Southampton, who three years ago dropped out of the Premiership on the final day of the campaign, are capable of staying-up.
"Circumstances were different and we were more or less hoping to produce something extraordinary on the day, so it was a little bit of a different approach to the game.
"Everyone involved now believes and thinks that if we can perform well on Sunday we will beat Sheffield United, even though they're a good side and have something to play for."
But statistics reveal why Pearson is tempted to field Lucketti.
Centre-half has been a problematic position for Southampton all season but the partnership between Lucketti and his fellow loanee Chris Perry is by far the most successful pairing of the 16 they have used so far.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORESheffield Eagles mark 10th anniversary of historic Wembley win: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO REPORTOWLS TALK - Paul Thompson discusses Wednesday's survival chances ahead of their last match of the season: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO REPORTBLADES TALK - James Shield discusses the challenge faced by one Blades player who will be lining up against them on Sunday: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO REPORTLeon's a lion for Owls fans - SEZ LES Football headlines.More Blades.More Owls.More Spireites.More Rovers.More Reds.More Millers.More Ice Hockey.More rugby.More boxing.Sports columnists.All sport categories. The full article contains 624 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
