"Paolo is fully fit and, the same as the other week, itching to play but we're unbeaten in five games and it would be unfair to talk about somebody who is not here," Roeder said after the 1-1 draw.
"The lads out there deserve all the credit. We can't control what happens in the table on a day when we get a good point away from home.
"We just have to take it game by game and now it is on to a home match with Aston Villa next Saturday.
"We felt unlucky to be a goal down at half time here but we certainly deserved at least a point. Jermain was a bit disappointed at half time with himself but he did not get the greatest service.
"In the end he got his chance and finished it quite easily. We got what we deserved and I've little doubt now the scrap to stay up will go to the last day of the season."
SOUTHAMPTON MATCH REPORT