Stern John will get the chance to fire Saints to a superb victory against the Championship title favourites before continuing his World Cup dream in Cuba next week.
The Trinidad & Tobago striker - who is in his country's squad for next Wednesaday's 2010 qualifier in Havana - was suspended for last Saturday's opening game at Cardiff following his sending off against Sheffield United on the final day of last season.
John, who scored twice in that 3-2 win to keep Saints up, was introduced as a 55th minute substitute for Jake Thomson in Tuesday's Carling Cup victory at Exeter.
David McGoldrick, who bagged a brace in the Carling Cup first round success, moved to right midfield to accommodate John.
McGoldrick has said he is happy to remain in that role if it allows John, who scored 19 goals for Saints last season, to be involved.
Poortvliet was impressed with the way John played in midweek and is likely to use him as the lone striker tomorrow.
The 31-year-old had played at St Andrew's from February 2002 to September 2004, scoring 21 times.
He also had success against his former side, finding the net against them in his only Premiership appearance with Sunderland last season before moving to St Mary's.