Gastón Ramírez will tonight hope to make his first start for Uruguay in ten matches.

The Saints playmaker is a regular for his country, but has been a substitute for their last nine games.

Uruguay visit Austria for a friendly this evening, as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.

Assuming he is fit, Ramírez should be certain of a place on the plane to Brazil, where Uruguay have been grouped with England, Italy and Costa Rica.

But the 23-year-old would undoubtedly love the opportunity to push for a starting role, rather than just a seat on the bench.

As well as a chance in tonight’s match, a regular run for his club would do him the world of good in that respect.

Ramírez, a £12m signing from Bologna in 2012, has just returned to action after five weeks out with an ankle injury.

Despite that setback, his recent appearances for Saints have seen him look fitter, stronger and more effective than he ever has done for his club.