NATHAN Brown expects to have Anthony Laffranchi and Jonny Lomax available for this Friday’s derby.
Saints travel to Wigan on Good Friday (March 29, 12.15pm) to take on their closest rivals for the first time this season.
“Jonny Lomax should be right to play, but if he isn’t 100 per cent right we won’t risk it,” Brown said. “He is a good player so to have him back will be a real bonus for us. Anthony Laffranchi should be back too but Lance Hohaia has a groin problem and won’t be fit for a couple of weeks.
“We’re waiting for a scan on Tony Puletua’s knee but we’re confident it is a short term thing.”
Saints have used 28 players so far this season and that has seen five youngsters make their debuts.
Lewis Charnock, Dom Speakman, Anthony Walker, Mark Percival and Jordan Hand have all worn the red vee for the first time in 2013.
“It’s been good that we have been able to give young kids the chance,” Brown added. “We’re in a good position that we can bring those kids in; we wouldn’t be where we are if we had to rely on the squad of senior players.
“Some of those kids can’t play all the time though. Ant Walker played three weeks on a row because he was physically and mentally ready. Some aren’t physically ready to play every week and some have only been required to play for a week or so too. It’s a case of trying to find a balance.”
Tickets are available for the match – and you can find details here.
