Southampton boss Mark Wotte is pleased with his side's Carling Cup first round draw at home to Northampton Town.

Saints have been knocked out of the competition by lower league opponents in each of the last five seasons.

But Wotte, whose future is uncertain, told BBC Radio Solent: "It's a good club for us to play against. They had a troubled time like us last season."

The tie against League Two opposition will also see a return to St Mary's for former Saints manager Stuart Gray.

The Cobblers boss spent seven months in charge of Southampton after the controversial departure of Glenn Hoddle to Spurs in March 2001.

Gray lost his job at St Mary's to Gordon Strachan just a couple of months into the following season.

Wotte added: "We all know Stuart Gray from the past at Southampton. We have to respect the past and everybody who has had time at Saints must be welcomed."

The last time the two clubs went head to head, Saints secured a cup double in the 2004/05 season with wins at Sixfields in the FA Cup and Carling Cup.

The tie at St Mary's is scheduled to be played in the week commencing 10 August.

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