MATTY Dawson believes Saints can have a strong finish to the season despite the loss of influential scrum half Luke Walsh.
In fact, he says the situation can only spur Saints on as they look to repay one of their own.
“We have faith in the players that will come in, they are high quality,” he said. “Gary Wheeler and Jordan Turner did a great job at the weekend and if they can stick with that then we’ll see what happens.
“If not, then others will come in. It has been good at training this week and they seem to have settled into their roles well. Confidence and morale is good and we still think we can go and get the League Leaders Shield. It is what we want to do.
“Of course we feel for Luke (Walsh) and it is spurring us on to do the best for him. He is one of the boys and you do feel for someone when they get an injury like that.”
Matty has played 13 games for Saints this season, crossing the whitewash six times.
“I’ve had a good run of games and that is what I was hoping for this year,” he continued. “I had a rough time at Huddersfield and didn’t play many games so any game time is a bonus really.
“When I did get the chance I thought I did well and did what the coach asked me to, but it didn’t work out and that’s how it is.
“I hadn’t played a lot of games and knew it could be hard to find a club with the injuries I’ve had. I knew I was probably a step behind others in my position at my age too; so I was made up when Browny was interested in me. I knew what he thought of me as a player and that gave me confidence.
“I knew I would be coming into a tough environment that produces top quality youngsters each year, and they would keep on coming. But I couldn’t turn it down, I wanted a chance and Browny has given me that.
“It’s been good and the professionalism is helping me. Being around the likes of Jon Wilkin, Paul Wellens and James Roby and seeing how they go about their business has helped me and will hopefully benefit me going forward.
“I don’t mind where I am playing as long as I am in the team. I have played a lot of wing this season and prefer it there at the minute but I will slot in wherever.
“I always hoped to get some games, do what the coach wants me to and work hard to stay in the team.”