"The system we're playing at the moment is suiting the individuals we have and if we keep winning then Connolly will have to sit on the bench anyway," said Pardew.
"David Connolly's got to earn the right to get in the team first and foremost and the other system's got to give him the opportunity.
"If they keep working the system like they are at the moment, then he can be a nice option on the bench.
"It's like all things - if you come in late, you have to wait."
Oldham will offer a stern challenge to Saints and the boss is not taking them lightly..
"They're a team that are unbeaten in their last six, they look a strong team, organised," said Pardew.
"It will be a tough agenda for us to win there but that's what we'll aim to do.
"They're a big club and they want to get back to the good times, like we do.
"We must never lose focus that there's a lot of teams in this division - Leeds, Norwich, Charlton - who are very much in the same position as us."
Oldham v Southampton
Saturday 17th October, 3:00pm.